ATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA 


AN    HISTORICAL  DRAMA 


HESTER  GORE  MILLER. 


>22^> 

University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


7BRSIT7 


FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA, 


A  NEW  AND  ORIGINAL  HISTORICAL  DRAMA, 
IN  FOUR  ACTS. 


CHESTER  GORE  MILLER 

L 


(DRAMATIC  WORK,  THE  SECOND.) 


ILLUSTRA/TEID. 


tg^S^ 

0FI7BRSITT' 


CHICAGO: 

PRESS    OF    SKEEN,     BAKER    &    CO 

1894. 


891 

BY 

CHESTER  GORE  MILLER. 
All  Rights  Reserved. 


TKE  EM'CFOF'      .{lilTARY^  ^  U  i 

CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

PREFACE  ....................  •  ..............................  5 

DEDICATION,  SONNET,  '  '  To  CALIFORNIA  "  .....................  7 

PROLOGUE,  SONNET,  '  THE  PADRES"  ..........................  9 

DRAMATIS  PERSONA  ........................................  10 

ACT  I  ....................................................  11 

••    II,  SCENE  I  ..........................................  44 

••     •«        ••     II  ..........................................  65 

••    III  .............................................  .  .....  82 

"    IV,  SCENE  I  ..........................................  Ill 

......      II  .........................................  137 

SONGS. 

THE  SERENADE  ............................................     22 

THE  SEA  ....................  ...............................     48 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  DAY  .........................   ..................     82 

SONNETS. 

EARLY  MASS  AT  SAN  CARLOS  DEL  CARMELO  ....................  29 

THE  PACIFIC  FROM  CYPRESS  POINT  ............................  60 

VESPER  BELLS  OF  SAN  CARLOS  DEL  CARMELO  ...................  69 

AN  ABALONE  SHELL  .........................................  84 

TEMPTATION  .  .  .............................................  115 

DEATH  .....................................................  1  38 


EPILOGUE,  SONNET,  '  '  PADRE  SERRA"  .  . 


OT  THB 

UHI7BRSIT7 


V  R  AK  £  IJ  V  n  0  S  0  It  A  S  S  H  V 


FATHER  ( i u N  i  PE: R Q  5  E R  R , 


PREFACE. 

In  California,  August  28,  1884,  services  were 
held  to  commemorate  the  one  hundredth  anniversary 
of  the  death  of  Padre  Junipero  Serra;  and  the  memor- 
able occasion  gave  to  the  author  at  that  time  the  idea 
of  writing  an  historical-pastoral  drama  on  the  life  of  the 
saintly  man  so  identified  with  the  early  annals  of  the 
state.  The  play  was  written  in  Chicago,  in  1890,  '91, 
'92,  and  '93. 

While  the  Franciscan  Friars  who  brought  the  light 
of  Christianity  to  the  shores  of  California  were  educat- 
ing her  savages,  and  founding  her  historical  monu- 
ments, there  grew  up  in  purity  and  simplicity  a  match- 
less existence,  referred  to  as  "The  Old  Mission  Days;  " 
the  most  beautiful  picture  of  pastoral  life  the  world 
has  ever  known;  now  chronicled  by  a  record,  a  ruin,  and 
a  memory.  But  though  unfortunately  that  time  is  past, 
it  served  to  show  the  worthy  influence  of  the  first 
pioneers,  and  particularly  of  their  leader,  a  man  whose 
name  shall  ever  shine  pre-eminent  in  the  history  of  the 
Western  Coast, — The  Very  Reverend  Father  Junipero 
Serra. 

C.   G.   MILLER. 

CHICAGO,  ILL.,  Oct.  1893. 


OF 

UHIVBRSIT 


DEDICATION. 

O  California,  an  empire's  star, 

Upon  your  beauty  time  has  made  no  raid; 

Along  your  shores  one  finds  no  flaw  to  mar 

The  fairest  work  that  Nature  ever  made. 

Had  I  the  gift  to  write  a  sonnet  sweet, 

To  dedicate  a  eulogy  to  you, 

My  fourteen  lines  I  fear  would  scarcely  meet 

The  right  inscription  that  I  know  is  due. 

For  eighteen  years  within  your  border-lines 

Showed  me  some  prototypes  I  would  not  wrong. 

Romantic  land,  the  riches  of  your  mines 

O'er-shadow  not  your  poetry  and  song. 

My  recollections  I  would  ne'er  dismiss; 

In  mem'ry  then  of  you  inscribed  is  this. 


\ 


UKI7BRSIT7 


PROLOGUE. 

Those  who  attend  immunity  from  care, 

Should  on  the  Mission  Fathers'  lives  reflect; 

They,  subjects  of  a  fleeting  time's  impair, 

Left  lessons  which  too  many  oft  neglect. 

Along  the  coast  and  on  the  desert  waste 

They  toiled,  with  true  religious  zeal  their  thought; 

For  martyr  here  and  there  a  cross  was  placed, 

Those  deaths  they  envied,  those  the  crowns  they  sought. 

None  asked  their  help  and  found  that  help  refused; 

His  race,  his  caste,  his  creed,  barred  not  their  door, 

The  path  to  which  the  rich  and  humble  used, 

Some  sorrow  to  relieve,  some  hope  restore. 

Few  lives  can  show  a  more  exalted  state; 

Their  virtues  no  brief  proem  can  relate. 


ACT  L\&ajfrgft 


HOME  OF  THE  GOVERNOR.     MONTEREY,  CAL.     THE 
GARDEN,  AFTERNOON,  MARCH  18,  1784. 

Enter  Gov.  Pages  and  Manuel. 

Gov.  Pages.     Where  seems  the  least  oft  'times  exists 
the  most. 

Manuel     What!  do  you  mean  that  he  admires  her? 

Gov.  Pages.  Yes. 

Manuel.     I  thought  that  holy  orders — 

Gov.  Pages.  Well,  you  know 

He  's  not  a  novice  yet,  and  so  they  see 
Each  other  often;  now  let  friendliness 
Grow  into  love — I  'm  almost  sure  it  has — 
Then  he  '11  renounce  all  hopes  of  monkish  life: 
Dolores  holds  him  high  in  her  regard, 
Yes  more  than  any  one  in  Monterey. 
His  mystic  vein  is  his  advertisement. 

Manuel.    What  makes  you  think  this  love  is  possible? 

Gov-  Pages.     I  judge  by  way  he  looks  at  her. 

Manuel.  .He  looks! 

Would  that  not  be  a  trifling  evidence? 

Gov.  Pages.     If  so  I  should  not  count  it  such  a  fact. 

Manuel     Eduardo,  my  old  friend  so  dear  to  me, 
Had  oft  in  early  boyhood  days  remarked 
Of  pious  ways,  appearing  as  inclined 
To  serve  the  Church,  as  I  to  serve  the  State: 


12  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA.    * 

I  know  he  is  a  youth  of  powerful  will, 

And  when  he  once  determines  on  a  course 

There  's  nothing  that  would  turn  him  from  his  path. 

Gov.  Pages.     Man's  love  is  ever  stronger  than  his  will: 
So  fear  the  competition  for  her  hand. 

Manuel.     I  do  not  care!  I  '11  risk. the  rivalry! 
The  conquest  I  expect  an  easy  one; 
She  kissed  the  rose  I  gave  her,  murmuring 
So  gently,  a  sweet,  "Gracias,  Sefior. " 

Gov.  Pages.     I  hope  you  '11  find  the  task  an  easy  one. 

Manuel.     Ah,  Governor,  but  she  is  beautiful. 
She  's  not  a  type,  she  is  a  poet's  dream; 
I  never  saw  such  matchless  grace  before. 

Gov.  Pages.     Now,  Manuel,  just  reason  on  this  plan. 
You  want  Dolores  for  your  wife,  and  by 
'Your  perseverance  and  my  influence 
You  win,  and  wealth  's  a  certainty;  through  you 
Her  father  '11  be  in  sympathy  with  me, 
Thereby,  my  rule  of  state  is  doubly  strong, 
And  Padre  Serra's  rising  power  is  checked; 
Don  Pablo's  influence  at  Court  is  great, 
He  's  hardly  on  my  side.     Ah,  como  no? 
Some  viceroys  come  from  humble  walks  in  life, 
Some  from  the  velvet  paths  hidalgos  tread; 
And  those  sustained  by  seconds  at  the  call 
Obtain  the  recognition  of  the  king. 
We  've  always  worked  for  common  interests 
Since  you  came  out  from  Spain  two  years  ago, 
And  as  your  father  was  my  warmest  friend 
You  got  a  first  lieutenancy  to  start, 
And  now  you  are  a  captain. 


ACT  I.  13 

Manuel.  Thanks  to  you. 

We  are  ambitious  and  our  chance  is  good. 

Gov.  Pages.      Let  your  ambition  unpretending  be 
Or  else  mistrust  of  motive  will  result. 
Great  possibilities  are  offered  us, 
The  more  advanced,  the  safer  we  become: 
Our  occupation  's  kindred,  that  of  arms, 
But  nerve  's  demanded  if  we  wish  to  rise; 
Ah!   I  was  taught  that  in  Chihuahua  once. 
It  's  only  influence  that  keeps  us  here 
And  helps  us  to  advance  to  higher  planes; 
So  when  opponents  cry,  ''You  grasping  thieves," 
In  jealousy  because  they  do  not  rise, 
We  've  but  to  answer  back  with  louder  cry, 
"See  what  we  've  done  in  our  short  term  of  power, 
Assail  us  not  for  we  are  virtuous." 

Manuel.      I  'm  with  the  moving  spirit  of  the  State, 
So  do  not  fear  for  my  diplomacy. 

Gov.  Pages.     Just  so,  you  're  apt  and  understand  the 

scheme; 

It  takes  the  State  to  grind  the  Clergy  down. 
Talk  to  your  friend  and  urge  him  for  the  Church, 
For  I  believe  myself  it  's  best  for  him; 
In  course  of  love,  a  friendship  must  not  stand. 
Now  here  he  comes. 

Manuel.  We  only  need  to  speak 

Of  absent  ones  to  call  their  presence  forth. 

Enter  Eduardo.      Walks  to  Crucifix  on  Wall. 

Eduardo.  Age  me  on,  O  Years,  age  me  on;  but  may 
wisdom  keep  an  equal  pace,  it  not,  let  youth  and  its  fol- 
lies bloom  on  forever. 


14  FA  THEH  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Enter  Father  Serra. 

Gov.  Pages.  He  bears  with  evident  pride  the  antici- 
pation of  his  calling. 

Father  Serra.  Yes,  but  with  a  spiritual  pride,  not 
worldly. 

Gov.  Fages.  A  gifted  youth  I'm  told, — he  should  be 
proud. 

Father  Serra.  The  man  fortunate  in  natural  gifts  has 
not  the  right  or  reason  to  be  proud;  they  are  posses- 
sions no  work  of  his  attained. 

Manuel  greets  Eduardo  aside. 

*  Gov.  Fages.     Don  Pablo  will  be  here. 

Father  Serra.      I  shall  be  glad  to  see  him. 
»    Gov.  Fages.    What  of  the  converts?  Have  your  efforts 
increased   the    number  of  catechumens?     I   hear  those 
strange  Indians  from  the  interior  are  very  wild. 

Father  Serra.  So  far  I  have  been  unsuccessful;  they 
are  haughty  and  insolent;  the  protection  is  inadequate. 
It  will  be  some  time  before  they  acknowledge  the  Papal 
jurisdiction. 

Gov.  Fages.     The  State. 

Father  Serra.     Pardon  me,  the  Church. 

Gov.  Fages.     I  can  spare  no  more  soldiers  at  present. 

Father  Serra.  But  San  Carlos  is  in  constant  danger, 
it  is  the  same  at  all  the  Missions.  I  received  a  letter 
from  Father  Figuer,  saying,  that  San  Diego  just  es- 
caped  another  massacre  through  the  piety  of  a  neophyte; 
and  at  San  Buenaventura,  Fathers  Dumetz  and  Santa 
Maria  are  having  trouble  with  the  natives.  Do  you  wish 


ACT  I.  15 

ny  flock  to  share  the  fate  of  Father  Jaume,  the  martyr 
of  our  cause? 

Gov.  Pages.  I  do  not  wish  them  massacred;  you  are 
but  two  leagues  from  Monterey. 

Father  Serra.  And  after  the  pagans  have  attacked  us, 
you  desire  to  be  notified?  . 

Gov.  Pages.  There  is  really  little  to  dread;  do  not  be 
afraid. 

Father  Serra.  Dread!  Fear!  Too  often  have  I  longed 
to  be  a  martyr  for  our  Faith,  that  happiness  has  been 
withheld.  I  do  not  fear  the  savage  or  his  knife;  his 
anger  or  his  treachery;  it  is  for  the  innocents  within  my 
charge  I  am  alarmed  and  would  stay  the  march  of  rapine, 
murder,  and  of  fire. 

Gov.  Pages.      My  army  is  very  small. 

Father  Serra.  You  must  request  more  men  of  the 
viceroy  or  we  shall  never  carry  out  the  grand  idea  of  civil- 
izing these  savages. 

Gov.  Pages.  Stay  your  enthusiasm,  take  time,  all 
these  things  wTill  be  accomplished  in  time. 

Father  Serra.  Governor,  nothing  is  won  by  procrasti- 
nation. I  cannot  consent  to  waste  or  wait  one  hour  in 
this  great  work,  and  see  these  vast  opportunities  remain 
undeveloped.  Why  are  we  here?  to  idly  dream  away 
the  hours  and  let  the  spirit  of  conversion  die?  see  these 
countless  ones  born  and  grow  up  without  the  baptismal 
Sacrament?  sin  without  the  purification  of  the  Sacra- 
ment? marry  without  the  Sacrament?  die  without  the 
Sacrament?  He  commands  the  Fathers  spread  the 
blessed  Faith;  I  am  His  humble  serva.nk.jind  in  my 


16  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

poor  efforts  His  wishes  shall  not  receive  neglect,  or  His 
holy  work  want  for  activity. 

Gov.  Pages.  Step  into  my  study,  I  've  documents  for 
you  to  sign,  and  letters  for  you  from  Los  Angeles. 

Father  Serra.  There  are  other  things  I  also  wish  to 
speak  about,  Governor.  Eduardo,  did  you  hav,e  Vicente 
notify  the  Indians  of  the  rancheria,  that  we  would  begin 
the  cultivation  of  their  tract  on  a  more  extensive  scale 
the  coming  week? 

Eduardo.     Yes,  Father. 

Father  Serra.  The  move  is  wise.  The  land  will  soon 
supply  their  wants  more  generously. 

Exeunt  Father  Serra  and  Gov.  Fages. 

Eduardo.      How  poor  the  mail  facilities  have  been. 

Manuel.  Yes,  when  one  's  on  an  Indian  campaign 
His  correspondence  must  be  limited. 

Eduardo.     What  have  you  heard  from  Spain? 

Manuel.  There  's 

nothing  new; 

My  mother  's  well  but  father  feels  his  age. 
You  got  my  letter  saying  Agata 
Was  married? 

Eduardo.         Yes,  she  wedded  very  well. 

Manuel      I  Ve  only  one  unmarried  sister  left. 

Eduardo.     Yes,  so  you  have.  Well,  you  have  risen  fast; 
I  am  so  glad  to  hear  of  your  success: 
I  feel  it 's  not  to  be  a  distant  day 
When  it  will  please  his  majesty,  our  king, 
To  place  you  here  highjn  authority. 

Manuel.  Ah,  should  it  be  thus  ordered  so,  that  you 
Are  president  and  I  executive, 


ACT  I.  17 

I  know  that  we  will  never  differ  on 

These  much  vexed  questions  of  the  Church  and  State. 

Eduardo.      There,  Manuel,  is  all  this  not  a  shame? 
What  storms  at  times  beat  round  the  Holy  Cross. 
Our  noble,  wise,  far-seeing  president, 
Who  's  most  enthused  to  spread  abroad  the  light 
And  found  more  mission  churches  on  the  coast, 
Is  constantly  kept  back  for  want  of  help; 
Don  Pedro  should  co-operate  with  us, 
Instead  of  that  his  Excellency  hopes 
Forever  to  destroy  or  maim  the  rules 
And  system  that  have  built  the  Missions  up, 
And  make  the  Clergy  ask  of  him  their  laws 
In  California.      Can  you  tell  me 
Who  pioneers  the  way  to  lands  unknown, 
And  plants  the  seed  of  civilized  control? 
Who  sends  abroad  those  men  that  oft  become 
The  martyrs  for  the  cause  of  holy  truths? 
Who  struggles  with  the  Indian,  to  give 
His  soul  the  blessings  of  a  nobler  faith? 
Who    ever  thrives    through  grace  of  tenets  true, 
In  places  where  all  others  failure  meet? 
And  who  a  universal  love  commands, 
Won  by  its  purpose,  system  and  its  creed? 
To  all  these  questions  there  's  but  one  response: 
The  Church  of  Rome! 

Manuel.  All  that  you  say  is  true; 

And  I  regret  Fages  is  so  opposed. 

Eduardo.   You  have  his  confidence, you  '11  help  us  some? 

Manuel-      I  '11  push  my  aid  to  the  extent  allowed, 
But  in  my  office  I  must  be  discree.t. 


18  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Eduardo.     I  know  discretion  must  remain  your  rule, 
And  though  I  ask  you  to  assist  our  plans, 
Do  not  do  so  and  be  unjust  to  him; 
The  Church  gains  not  its  rights  dishonestly. 
Ah,  Manuel,  I  love  this  savage  land, 
There  is  so  much  to  do;  look  o'er  the  miles 
Of  mountain  chain,  and  vale,  and  endless  plain, 
Which  virgin  ground  no  white  has  ever  trod: 
Think  of  the  countless  souls  to  be  redeemed; 
What  noble  opportunities  for  us 
In  the  near  future  of  this  western  world. 

Manuel     The  vista  is  a  most  attractive  one. 
How  proud  I  'd  be  to  know  that  you  were  called 
'His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal;'  strive  on! 

Eduardo.     There,  do  not  speculate  upon  my  end, 
For  where  is  my  beginning? 

Manuel  You  are  right, 

Because  the  more  one  dwells  on  sentiment 
The  harder  do  the  trials  of  life  appear. 

Eduardo.     If  supposition  were  to  us  the  truth, 
What  unsubstantial  things  would  rule  the  world. 
fflfantiel.     Your  life,  I  judge  must  be  a  peaceful  one. 
/    Eduardo.     My  life  's  a  quiet  one  and  glides  along 
'  In  channels  of  obscurity  and  peace; 
Devoid  of  common  stormy  incidents, 
Its  elements  would  tiresome  annals  make: 
I  study,  meditate,  and  help  to  keep 
The  Mission  books,  and  as  we  're  short  of  help, 
I  'm  secretary  to  his  Reverence. 

Manuel     A  restful  life,  I  've  often  longed  for  that; 
I  weary  sometimes  of  the  stormy  life 


ACT  I.  19 

The  soldier  of  the  line  must  undergo: 
I  most  prefer  the  station  I  now  hold, 
That  's  garrisoned  within  the  capital. 
But  of  your  future,  have  you  that  denned? 

Eduardo.     My  future  is  unquestioned  by  myself; 
The  coming  year  a  novice  I  shall  be 
In  San  Fernando  College,  Mexico. 
Our  Padre  Serra  is  to  me  a  guide; 
He  took  compassion  on  my  lonely  life, 
When  father  died. 

Mamiel.  Now  quite  two  years  ago. 

How  time  retreats. 

Eduardo.  Yes,  then  he  said  to  me, 

"Eduardo,  you  are  now  alone,  you  have 
No  brothers,  sisters,  or  near  relatives; 
Come  live  with  me,  I  '11  be  your  counselor." 

Manuel.     You  're  fortunate  in  having  such  a  man 
To  help  you  through  these  yeafs. 

Eduardo.  Indeed  I  am, 

I  'm  doubly  fortunate,  for  I  have  you; 
Your  friendship  and  regard  to  me  is  much. 

Manuel     Eduardo,  friend,  I  feel  the  same  toward  you, 
I  know  it  is  returned. 

Eduardo.  Yes,   Manuel, 

It  is  returned,  and  may  it  ever  be. 

Manuel.     What  of  the  fair  Dolores,  that  I  've  met? 
She  came  from  Barcelona? 

Eduardo.  No,  you  heard 

Xo  doubt  our  native  town  was  once  her  home. 
The  don  came  from  Madrid  to  Monterey 
Just  after  you  had  left  us  for  the  South. 


20  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

To  join  Don  Pedro,  which  was — let  me  think— 

Manuel     The  month  succeeding  our  arrival  here. 

Eduardo.     O,  yes. 

Manuel.  His  daughter  is  a  charming  girl. 

Eduardo.     Dolores  is  a  good  girl  and  devout. 
I  've  known  her  from  the  time  she  first  arrived. 

Manuel.     I  came  two  days  ago,  I  met  her  then. 

Eduardo.   Her  mother  has  been  dead  some  seven  years. 

Manuel.     Eduardo,  did  you  ever  love? 

Eduardo.  Love?     Yes, 

Indeed  I  have. 

Manuel  Aside.   The  governor  was  right.    To  Edua+do. 
So  you  have  loved.    Whom  do  you  love,  old  friend? 

Eduardo.     Whom,  Manuel?     I  love  the  Lord  above, 
I  love  the  Fathers  that  teach  us  His  words, — 

Manuel.     A  noble  answer,  friend.     You  never   loved 
A  woman? 

Eduardo.     Yes,  my  mother,  Manuel. 

Manuel.     A-proper  adoration.   Aside.   Wrong,  Pages. 
I  '11  have  no  rival  for  her  hand  in  him. 

Eduardo.     O,  while  it  is  in  mind,  his  Reverence 
Wished  me  to  see  the  adjutant  upon 
A  matter,  so  I  '11  leave  you  for  awhile. 

Manuel     All  right,  Eduardo,  I  '11  see  you  again. 

Exit  Eduardo. 

The  sun  appears  escorted  by  the  moon, 

To  look  is  to  be  lost,  I  would  be  lost. 

Depart  my  heart.      How  graceful  she  does  move. 

Enter  Donas  Dolores  and  Barbara.     Do  not  see  Manuel. 


ACT  I.  21 

Dolores.     That  is  appropriate,  Barbara;   I  am  often  in 
those    moods.      I  sometimes  think   I   will  live  and  die  f 
unloved. 

Manuel.     Aside.     Not  while  I  am  in  Monterey. 
Dona  Barbara.     Surely,  Dolores,  you  have  no  occa- 
sion to  think  that. 

Manuel.     Aside.     Not  in  the  least. 
Dolores.     I  know,  I  know;  I  have  many  friends  among 
the  gentlemen. 

Manuel     Aside.     Rivals! 
Dolores.     They  are  all  liked  by  me — 
Manuel.     Aside.     All! 
Dolores.     But  no  one  do  I  feel  I  love. 
Manuel.     Aside.    Then  I  do  not  inspire  love  on  sight. 
I  often  wondered  if  I  did. 

Dolores.  And  were  I  forced  to  choose  I  could  blindly 
pick  one  from  the  lot  and  have  no  fear  of  making  a 
mistake. 

Manuel.  Aside.  What  an  interesting  lot  of  men  in 
Monterey. 

Dona  Barbara.  You  will  not  waver  when  you  meet 
your  fate. 

Manuel.     Aside.     If  that  's  the  case,  my  cause  is  lost. 
Dolores.     Possibly,  and  yet  my  love  may  be   of    the 
progressive  kind. 

Manuel.     Aside.     A  chance  remains! 
Dolores.     Not  of  the  love  on  sight,  nor  yet  the   kind 
where  one  must  learn  to  love. 

Manuel.     Aside.     What  variety  the  passion  has! 

Dona  Barbara.     What  is  the  other  kind? 

Dolores.     That  sweet  unconsciousness  of  it  that  ripens 


22  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

into  \>Ve  on  long  acquaintance,  it  is  the  best  and  lasts 
Ahe  longest. 

Manuel.  Aside.  I  wish  I  had  met  her  about  ten  years 
ago. 

Dona  Barbara.     The  lottery  when  tried  will  tell. 

Manuel.     Aside.     How  very  wise  she  is. 

Dolores.  Do  not  speak  as  if  love  was  an  art  to  be 
experimented  with.  I  shall  never  love  but  once,  and 
when  I  do,  it  will  be  love. 

Manuel.     Aside.     O  Fortune,  smile  on  me. 

Dona  Barbara.  Coming,  in?  Senora  Pages  wishes 
you  to  sing  for  her  this  afternoon. 

Dolores.      I  will  be  in  soon. 

Dona  Barbara.     Very  well.  Exit. 

Dolores  plays  Guitar  and  sings. 

What  more  allays  love1  s  groundless  /ears, 
When  from  the  shadowed  eve  in  song 
Breaks  softly  sweet  on  listening  ears, 
The  vows  for  which  fond  lovers  long. 

There  hidden  by  day' s  curtain,  night, 

In  low  andante  speaks  the  fate 
That  leads  two  souls  from  dark  to  light, 
What  happiness  those  chords  create. 

For  'neath  some  ancient  cypress  limb 
He  stands,  and  sings  of  constant  ties; 

Of  love  I  'd  dream  till  stars  grow  dim 
And  stately  night  for  morning  dies. 


ACT  7.  23 

Loves  charm  enhances  every  bar, 
These  happy  Jwurs  too  swiftly  run; 

Fain  would  I  hear  that  sweet  guitar 

Till  '  Good  night' greets  the  morning  sun. 

When  Time's  light  footfalls  die  away 
And  parting  youth  its  age  has  hailed, 

Of  such  sweet  eves  that  close  the  day, 
Say  not  of  me,  '  Remembrance  failed* 

Manuel.      "  Say  not  of  me,  'Remembrance  failed.'7 

Dolores.     Why,  Don  Manuel!  how  you  startled  me. 

Manuel     Forgive  your  willing  slave. 

Dolores.     This  time,  but  I  would  call  you  friend. 

Manuel.  You  favor  me,  though  he  who  is  your  friend 
would  be  your  slave. 

Dolores.  As  you  select,  Senor.  But  what  was  it  you 
first  remarked? 

Manuel.     "Say  not  of  me,  '  Remembrance  failed.'  " 

Dolores.     Of  what? 

Manuel.     Two  things. 

Dolores.     The  first? 

Manuel.  The  longing  that  the  song  expressed.  I 
shall  remember  that  you  love  the  serenade. 

Dolores.     I  do. 

Manuel.     Expect  me  then. 

Dolores.  I  shall  be  pleased  to  hear  you  sing.  And 
now  the  other? 

Manuel.  I  would  remember  a  sweet  example  of  the 
only  joy  in  life. 

Dolores.     And  only  one?     There  are  many  I  am  sure. 


24 


FATHER  JUN1PERO  SERRA. 


ManiieL     There  is  but  one. 
^Dolores.     I  should  like  to  know  of  it. 
Manuel.     A  woman's  voice; 
Dolores.     What  makes  you  think  so? 
Manuel.     I  heard  you  sing. 
Dolures.     Now,  Sefior,  my  voice  would  hardly  cause— 

fection  needs  no  apology. 

Dolores.     Indeed!     Have  I  attained  that  coveted  end? 
Manuel.     In  every  grace  composing  woman's  charms. 
Dolores.     Captain,  will  you  receive  advice? 
Manuel.     You  would  honor  me  to  give  it. 
Dolores.     Then  go  to  court  immediately. 
Manuel.     Why,  Senorita? 

Dolores.     Though  hardly  an  adept  in  the  art  of  flattery, 
in  fact  I  believe  this  is   a  first  attempt,  still  you   show 
great  promise,  it  would  make  your  fortune  in  time. 
Manuel.     I  would  go— but  for  one  thing. 
And  what  is  that? 

I  should  have  to  leave  good  company 
You  would  find  better. 
Impossible,  for  from  perfection   there  is  no 


Dolores. 
Manuel. 
Dolores. 
Manuel. 
appeal. 
Dolores. 
Manuel. 
Dolores. 
Manuel. 
Dolores. 
Manuel. 
Dolores. 


You  are  improving. 

Why  not,  I  have  a  teacher  mistress  of  the  art. 

The  pupil  is  an  able  one. 

In  errors  and  in  faults. 

You  desire  to  excel? 

That  I  may  pay  you  graceful  compliments. 

Then  remember  subtilty  is  the  character 
of  flattery;  for  lavish  praise  incites  suspicions  of  insin- 
cerity. 


ACT  I. 


Manuel.     Did  my  well-deserved  and  well-intentioned 
compliments  seem  insincere? 
Dolores.     I  imagine  so,  Senor. 

Manuel.     They  were  true  expressions   of  my  heart, 
and  I  am   sure  you  will  accept  them  for  their    worth. 
Woman  and  flattery  are  not  antagonists. 
Dolores.     I  fear  your  proverb  is  at  fault. 
How  so? 
Give  the  all-sweeping  proverb  an  occasional 


Manuel. 

Dolores. 

exception. 

Manuel. 

. • — 

Dolores. 
Manuel. 
Dolores. 

Manuel. 
Dolores. 
Manuel. 
Dolores. 


I  see  it  needs  a  saving  clause. 

Is  your  taste  an  admired  one? 

My  comrades  call  me,  "  Judge." 

Then,  Judge,  you  have  been  bribed. 

In  what  way? 

To  tell  me  what  you  have. 

You  are  right,  I  have  been  bribed. 

Now  confess  your  object.     Was  it  not   to 
gain  my  regard? 

Manuel.  Though  I  would  cherish  that  as  the  price- 
less treasure  of  my  life;  it  was  your  beauty  that  urged 
me  to  flattery. 

lores.     And  my  perfections? 

Caused  me  to  make  my  praise  so  forcible. 

I  wonder  if  my  father  or  Barbara  think   as 


Manuel. 

Dolores. 
you  ? 

Manuel. 

Dolores. 
for— 

Manuel. 

Dolores. 


Our  relatives  will  ever  find  a  fault. 

Some   flatter  by  a   smile,   a  look,    a  word, 

I  need  a  phrase! 

Don  Miguel  once  said   I   had  a  pretty  hand; 


26  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Don  Juan  remarked  of  sparkling  eyes;  Senor  Pacheco 
vt/atured  comment  on  a  little  foot;  and  others  beauty- 
praising  bent,  have  smiled  a  favor,  glanced  a  tribute,  of 
risked  a  modest  compliment;  and  I  believed  their  offer- 
ings: but — 

Manuel.  They  had  poor  taste  if  they  could  say  no 
more. 

Dolores.  But  you  go  to  extremes,  and  say  each  grace 
is  perfect  in  itself. 

Manuel.     Am  I  not  right? 

Dolores.     Far  from  being  so. 

Manuel.     You  do  not  see  what  others  note, 

Dolores.     The  mirror  tells  me  all. 

Manuel.  And  does  it  not  reflect  perfection  when  you 
look? 

Dolores.     No. 

Manuel.     Discard  the  glass,  its  faults  are  serious. 

Dolores.     The  Senora  Gobernadora  is  calling  us. 

Manuel.     We  must  obey. 

Dolores.  Do  you  remain  for  any  length  of  time  in 
Monterey? 

Manuel.  If  I  had  to  wish  the  time,  I'd  say  for  life,  but 
being  at  the  king's  command,  I  will  say  it  is  indefinite. 
I  can  only  hope  that  there  will  be  many  such  days  as 
this,  in  store  for  me. 

Dolores.  This  afternoon  is  worthy  of  the  morn,  for 
that  was  matchless  too. 

Manuel.     I  was  not  referring  to  the  day,  Senorita. 

Dolores.     Your  companion? 

Manuel.     My  companion. 

Dolores.     So  you  like  Monterey. 


ACT  I.  27 

Manuel.     Although  it  is  a  charming  place,  I  love   her 
people  more. 

Dolores.     The  ladies  in  particular? 

Manuel.     A  lady  in  particular.  Exeunt. 

Enter  Father  Serra  and  Don  Pablo. 

Don  Pablo.     I  've  noticed  that  this  Captain  Alvarez 
Is  paying  marked  attention  to  my  child, 
Although  it 's  but  the  second  time  they  've  met. 
About  his  family  I  am  informed,- 
He  's  from  a  noble  line — important  fact. 
But  then  our  growing  youth  of  gentle  blood 
Have  not  the  isolation  found  at  home, 
So  of  his  habits  and  his  character 
I  'd  like  to  know;  perhaps  your  Reverence 
Has  knowledge  of  his  ways? 

Father  Serra.  Wise  query,  sir. 

Though  confidant  to  our  opponent,  yet 
I  cannot  other  then  speak  well  of  him. 
A  soldier,  still  he  's  not  a  brawling  one 
So  far  as  I  have  seen  or  heard  report. 
And  then  he  seems  as  virtuous  to-day 
As  when  I  knew  him  some  two  years  ago: 
He  is  Eduardo's.  friend — that  favors  him. 
Yet  it  is  with  regret  I  have  observed 
That  smiling  innocence  of  face  and  ways 
Announce  not  always  innocence  of  heart; 
He  's  with  a  man  who  '11  stoop  to  any  means 
To  gain  an  end, — environment  you  know 
Has  much  to  do  with  moulding  character, — 
Still  he  may  be  above  that  influence. 


28 


FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 


Don  Pablo.     He  seems  to  be  a  most  ambitious  youth, 
Father  Serra.     But  I  am  not  one   to    call    ambition, 
crime, 

If  one  pursues  an  honest  course  to  rise. 

I  think  him  worthy  of  your  kind  regard. 
Don  Pablo.     I  thank  you.  Father,  now  I  '11  rest  at  ease. 


Enter  Eduardo. 

Don  Pablo.     No  doubt,  Eduardo,  you  are  glad  to  meet 
Your  friend  again? 

Eduardo.  % Indeed  I  am,  Senor. 

Father  Serra-     And  he  is  glad  to  be  in  Monterey? 


ACT  I.  20 

EJuardo.     He  loves  the  capital,  your  Reverence; 
But  at  San  Carlos  he  would  ever  dwell. 

Don  Pablo.       Few  can  resist  the  fascination  there," 
And  as  for  me  I  'm  anything  but  proof. 
How  wise  has  been  your  choice  of  mission  sites; 
San  Carlos  ever  will  attract  the  eye. 
One  pleasure  of  my  life  is  to  observe 
The  sunrise  o'er  the  distant  Gabilans. 

This  early  morn  I  gazed  on  Nature's  face, 
Around  me  in  a  dim  and  hazy  light 
Lay  Mission  fields;  adjoining  on  my  right, 

Built  by  the  sons  of  a  converted  race, 

San  Carlos  loomed  in  all  its  hallowed  grace. 

Above  and  from  the  south  there  came  in  sight, 
Wild  geese  that  northward  flew  in  noisy  flight, 

Till  in  the  misty  air  I  lost  their  trace. 

To  hear  the  Padre  read  an  early  Mass, 

The  Indians  came,  and  blest,  then  bending  low 

They  prayed;  the  service  o'er,  I  saw  them  pass 
To  labor,  walking  single  file  and  slow: 

The  mist  had  gone,  like  breath  upon  a  glass, 

For  o'er  the  range  appeared  a  crimson  glow. 

Father  Serra.       How    constantly    I    Ve    wished,    and 

worked,  and  prayed, 
To  see  such  early-morn  devotionals 
In  every  vale  of  California. 
But  nine  far-scattered  missionary  posts 
Through  which  the  great  Redeemer  has  to  speak. 
Are  the  results  of  fifteen  years  of  work. 


30  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

.  \ 

Don  Pablo.     Does  not  your  Reverence  expect  to  found 
A  line  of  missions  to  the  east  of  us? 

Father  Serra.      I  have  expected  to  for  many  years. 

Don  Pablo.     I  'm  sure  San  Juan  Bautista,  San  Jose, 
Most  holy  San  Miguel,  and  San  Raphael, 
Would  kindly  smile  on  California, 
Were  missions  titled  with  their  holy  names. 

Father  Serra.     Ah,   not  alone   the  blessed  saints  re- 
marked, 

But  others  of  the  Faith: — the  Mystery, 
La  Purisima  de  Concepcion, 
Then  Santa  Cruz,  and  Santa  Barbara, 
Nuestra  Senora  de  la  Soledad, 
Santa  Yne*z,  San  Francisco  Solano, 
There  's  San  Fernando  and  San  Louis  Rey, 
Aye,  San  Antonio  de  Pala — all — 
Should, — shall  have  missions  dedicated  them! 

Don  Pablo.     What  causes  this  delay,  your  Reverence? 

Father  Serra.     We  came  to  Alta  California, 
With  promise  from  the  State  to  found,  equip, 
And  guard  for  us,  new  missions  by  the  score; 
Now  that  the  country  has  been  settled  up 
So  to  withstand  the  Russians  southward  march; 
The  State  relapses  into  lethargy, 
Forgetful  of  its  pledge. 

Don  Pablo.  So  that  is  what 

Retards  the  propagation  of  the  Faith? 

Father  Serra.    Just  so.   None  but  Neglect's  regardless 

eye 

Observes  these  countless  opportunities: 
So  I  must  fight  inaction  coupled  to 


ACT  I.  31 

The  opposition  of  a  governor, 
Whose  policy  is  secular  control. 

Don  Pablo.     A  state  of  things  that 's  most  deploral1 

Father  Serra.      Don  Pablo,  it  has  been  a  fear  with  me, 
That  when  the  Padre  pioneers  would  die 
Or  age  retire  them  to  Mexico; 
Would  pass  away  the  vigor  to  resist 
Encroachments  and  delinquencies  of  state: 
But  here  is  one  in  whom  I  've  centered  hopes; 
For  when  Eduardo  is  ordained,  he  '11  push 
With  all  the  zeal  of  youthful  energy, 
The  spirit  of  our  views. 

Eduardo.  I  know  them  well; 

And  this  shall  be  the  mission  of  my  life. 

Don  Pablo.     A  future  's  opened  to  the  faithful  priest 
In  these  extensive  wilds.     You  feel  assured 
You  would  succeed  in  churchly  work? 

Eduardo.  I  do. 

Oft  have  I  felt  within,  the  call  Divine. 
I  '11  not  be  tempted  to  forego  my  choice. 

Father  Serra.     Quite  right,  one  must  believe  they  're 
called  to  serve. 

Eduardo.     May  duty  ever  be  allied  to  me, 
As  cross  to  pyx;  or  chausable  to  stole. 

Father  Serra.     It  's  duty  to  the  laws  Divine  that  move 
These  countless  spheres  within  that  waste  of  space; 
And  as  His  works  inanimate  obey, 
Then  so  should  they,  with  His  fair  form  endowed, 
Be  not  delinquent  to  the  given  Word. 

Enter  Gov.  Pages. 


32  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father    Serra.      Governor,    is    Lieutenant   Gonzales 
here  to-day? 
**   Gov.  Fages.     I  left  him  within. 

Father  Serra.      To  Eduardo.     You  saw  the  adjutant? 

Eduardo.     Yes,  Father,  I  have  the  data  you  require. 

Father  Serra.     I  must  see  the   lieutenant,  gentlemen. 
Come,  son.  Exeunt. 

Don  Pablo.     A  bright  and   pious  youth,   the  Father's 
protege. 

Gov.  Fages.     It  seems  the  thoughtful  lean  to  religion. 

Don  Pablo.  Governor,  I  have  decided  at  last  to  re- 
main in  California. 

Gov.  Fages.     Indeed!     I  am  glad  to  hear  this. 

Don  Pablo.  I  understand  California  is  becoming 
favorably  known  among  the  caballeros  of  old  Spain. 

Gov.  Fages.  Very  good,  we  shall  not  lack  for  society. 
Your  family  like  the  West? 

Don  Pablo.     They  beg  me  to  remain. 

Gov.  Fages.     A  weighty  inducement. 

Don  Pablo.  Besides,  my  health,  for  which  I  came, 
you  know,  has  greatly  improved. 

Gov.  Fages.  That  is  all  the  more  reason  you  should 
stay  with  us.  But  you  will  make  a  final  visit  to  Madrid? 

Don  Pablo.  To  settle  my  affairs,  and  pay  a  parting 
mark  of  homage  to  his  majesty. 

Gov.  Fages.  Aside.  And  whisper  praises  of  a  most 
devoted  governor.  To  Don  Pablo.  When  do  you 
expect  to  make  the  journey? 

Don  Pablo.     The  coming  year. 

Gov.  Fages.  In  what  will  you  engage  now  you  're  to 
be  a  Californian? 


ACT  I.  33 

Don  Pablo..  My  regular  pursuit,  cattle  raising;  which 
I  hope  to  undertake  on  a  more  extensive  scale.  So,  Don 
Pedro,  lam  here  to  make  request — 

Gov.  Pages.     Name  the  tract.  Senor,  and  it  is  yours. 

Don  Pablo.  .  The  land  on  which  the  adjacent  rancheria 
stands. 

Gov.  Pages.  Aside.  Mission  lands!  To  Don  Pablo. 
Shall  be  Valencia  property. 

Don  Pablo.  Thanks,  Don  Pedro;  thanks.  It  is  good 
grazing  ground. 

Gov.  Pages.  Excellent.  Aside.  Serra  spoke  of  cul- 
tivating a  part  of  it,  there  must  be  no  delay.  To  Don 
Pablo.  This  property  is  beyond  the  four  league  limit  of 
Pueblo  lands — somewhat  out  of  my  jurisdiction — a  non- 
important  fact;  for  I  shall  recommend  your  petition  to 
the  viceroy,  and  request  the  grant  be  made  a  regular 
concession  instead  of  provisional,  as  many  now  are  made. 

Don  Pablo.     You  are  very  kind. 

Gov.  Pages.  Don  Manuel  can  make  the  papers  out 
to-night,  and  I  can  send  them  on  the  vessel  that  leaves 
to-morrow  for  the  South. 

Don  Pablo.  I  '11  hear  from  them  before  the  summer  's 
over? 

Gov.  Pages.  Long  before.  Count  on  the  land,  you 
will  be  granted  it. 

Don  Pablo.  I  should  like  to  inspect  the  tract  moie 
fully  than  I  have;  could  you  spare  an  escort  some  day 
the  coming  week?  • 

Gov.  Pages.   My  idle  soldiers  are  impatient  to  respond. 

Don  Pablo.  I  am  under  heavy  obligations  to  Don 
Pedro. 


:U  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Gov.  Pages.  I  pray  you  make  no  mention  of  a  bond. 
Aside.  One  step  nearer  secularization;  confusion  to  the 
president;  the  reciprocating  friendship  of  Valencia:  are 
gains  that  come  upon  me  unannounced;  so  on  its  swift 
ascendant  course  my  star  of  fortune  brighter  grows,  as 
coming  months  bid  parting  ones  farewell. 

Enter  Manuel. 

Manuel.  Don  Pablo,  our  Senora  Gobernadora  was 
asking  for  you;  she  is  telling  the  story  of  her  journey 
across  Mexico. 

Don  Pablo.  By  your  leave,  gentlemen,  I  will  wait 
on  the  lady.  Exit. 

Manuel.  Where  seams  the  most  oft'  times  exists  the 
least. 

Gov.  Pages.     What  have  you  discovered? 

Manuel.     That  Eduardo  is  in  love. 

Gov.  Pages.     So  I  said. 

Manuel.     With  the  Church. 

Gov.  Pages.     I  do  not  doubt  it. 

Manuel.     But  not  Dolores. 

Gov.  Pages.     How  did  you  learn  this? 

Manuel.      I  questioned  him. 

Gov.  Pages.     Brilliant!  Manuel,  brilliant! 

Manuel.     Governor,  for  once  you  are  deceived. 

Gov.  Pages.  Are  you  aware  a  man  can  fall  in  love 
and  not  know  it? 

Manuel.     Never  heard  of  an  instance. 

Gov.  Pages.  I  want  you  to  dance  the  fandango  with 
Dolores, 

Manuel.     A  great  pleasure. 


ACT  I.  35 

Gov.  Pages-  Dona  Eulaliawill  bring  the  dance  about. 
I  arranged  it  as  an  opening  for  you,  and  incidentally  you 
may  note  the  admiration  I  attribute  to  Eduardo. 

Manuel.  Many  thanks,  and  I  will  watch  him  closely, 
provided  that  Dolores  does  not  absorb  my  beauty- 
seeking  gaze. 

Gov.  Pages.     I  have  gained  a  point  with  Don  Pablo. 

Manuel.      That  is  welcome.      What  is  it? 

Gov.  Pages.  He  asked  me  for  the  San  Carlos  ranch- 
eria  tract  that  Serra  spoke  about  cultivating.  The  trans- 
port leaves  to-morrow,  and  with  it  goes  my  recommen- 
dation that  the  land  be  granted  him. 

Manuel      Does  Father  Serra  know  of  this? 

Goi'.  Pages.  No,  and  Valencia  will  not  speak  of  it; 
he  is  very  reticent  about  his  private  affairs. 

Manuel.  To  grant  this  land  will  be  quite  in  keeping 
with  your  secularization  policy. 

Gov.  Pages.  Certainly  it  will!  Nothing  will  ruin  the 
Missions  like  spoliation  of  their  lands.  Besides  I  could 
not  be  more  fortunate,  for  can't  you  see,  he  will  feel 
grateful  for  my  help,  and  when  I  need  a  word  at  court 
he  will  respond; — you  know  Don  Pablo's  father  once 
saved  the  king's  life. 

Manuel.      No! 

Gov.  Pages.  Yes,  and  that  is  why  he  stands  so  high 
at  court. 

Manuel.     Well,  this  is  fortunate! 

Gov.  Pages.  As  long  as  his  Catholic  Majesty  does  not 
look  kindly  on  the  friars'  control  of  the  temporalities,  or 
anything  else  in  fact,  so  much  more  fortunate  for  us;  so 
when  he  sees  I  have  worked  for  him  he  will  reward. 


&  .          FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Manuel.     You  are  a  diplomat. 

Gov.  Pages.  Time  will  decide  the  value  of  my  diplo- 
macy. 

Manuel.      I  hope  we  may  succeed. 

Gov.  Pages.     We  shall  succeed! 

Manuel.  My  sword!  my  name!  my  honor!  to  the 
cause. 

Gov.  Pages-  Win  Dolores,  that  is  the  part  you  are  to 
play. 

Manuel.  I  understand  Father  Serra  is  here  on  official 
business. 

Gov.  Pages.  Yes,  I  have  seen  him,  but  he  desires  to  con- 
fer again;  you  may  remain  during  the  interview.  I  had 
better  see  him  now. 

Enter  Eduardo. 

Is  Father  Serra  engaged? 

Eduardo.  I  left  his  Reverence  conversing  with  Cap- 
tain Soler  and  Lieutenant  Gonzales. 

Enter  Donas  Eulalia  and  Dolores. 

Gov.  Pages.     Very  well,  we  can  see  the  Father  later. 

Dona  Eulalia.  Do  we  have  music?  Senorita  Dolores 
will  dance  the  cachucha. 

Gov.  Pages.  You  save  me  making  the  request;  but 
let  us  have  the  fandango.  Will  Senorita  dance  with 
the  captain? 

Dolores.      I  should  be  pleased  to,  your  Excellency. 

Manuel.      I  am  honored. 

Enter  Don  Pablo. 


-       ACT  /.  37 

Gov.  Pages.  Is  Dona  Barbara  within?  We  are  going 
to  have  a  fandango. 

Don  Pablo.     I  will  call  her.  Exit. 

Dona  Eulalia.    What  fine  days  you  have  in  California. 

Manuel.     The  climate  is  most  attractive. 

Dolores.      So  much  like  sunny  Spain. 

Dona  Eulalia.  I  hear  Father  Serra  contemplates 
another  journey. 

Eduardo.  Yes,  Sefiora,  there  are  many  confirmations 
to  be  made,  and  Santa  Clara  is  to  be  dedicated  in  May. 

Enter  Dolia  Barbara  and  Don  Pablo. 

Gov.  Pages.     Sefiora,  will  you  play  a  fandango  for  us? 

Dona  Barbara.     With  pleasure,  your  Excellency. 

Gov.  Pages.  The  fandango  is  my  delight.  It  recalls 
the  pleasures  of  my  youth.  To  Manuel.  Watch 
Eduardo  and  be  convinced.  To  Dona  Barbara.  Ready, 
Senora. 

Dona   Barbara  plays  guitar,  Manuel  and  Dolores  dance. 

Eduardo  watches  Dolores  with  admiring  gaze. 

Dance  over. 

Dona  Eulalia.     They  were  very  graceful. 
Dona  Barbara.     They  kept  good  time. 
Gov.  Pages.     To  one  who  played  in  perfect  tune. 
Dona  Barbara.     Thank  you,  Governor. 

Enter  Father  Serra. 


38  .          FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Serra.  He  is  very  thoughtful;  hetter  were  all 
young  men  as  serious.  How  is  your  son? 

Dona  Eulalia.  Pedrito  is  now  quite  well;  but,  Father, 
you  do  not  look  to  be  in  the  best  of  health. 

Father  Serra.  I  shall  not  see  the  entry  of  the  coming 
year. 

Dona  Eulalia.  No,  no,  I  cannot  believe  you  are  de- 
clining so. 

Father  Serra.  It  is  that  final  failing  from  which  there 
is  no  recovery. 

Don  Pablo.  Senora,  I  am  anxious  to  hear  the  rest  of 
your  narrative. 

Dona  Barbara.  You  stopped  at  a  most  interesting 
part. 

Dena  Eulalia.  I  am  glad  you  liked  it.  Coming, 
Dolores?  You  were  interested. 

Dolores.      Very  much  so. 

Exeunt  DoTias  Eulalia  and  Barbara,  and  Don  Pablo. 

Manuel.  This  has  been  a  great  pleasure.  I  hope  for 
a  repetition. 

Dolores.      Senor  is  a  charming  dancer. 
Manuel.     A  novice  beside  his  partner. 

Exit  Dolores. 

Gov.  Pages.  Aside  to  Manuel  Did  you  note  your 
friend? 

Manuel  Yes,  but  I  think  it  is  only  admiration;  none 
could  help  admiring  her. 

Gov.  Pages.     You  will  yet  be  convinced. 

Father  Serra.     Aside  to  Eduirdo.    My  son,  is  my  com- 


ACT  I.  ^  39 

munication  to  the  viceroy  complete,  so  that  I  can  forward 
it  to-morrow  if  the  governor  refuses  my  request? 

Eduardo.  Yes,  Father,  I  wrote  in  the  information  P 
obtained  from  the  adjutant-inspector,  so  all  wanting  is 
your  signature.  Will  you  sign? 

Father Serra.   Keep  it,  son,  I  do  not  need  it  yet.    Now, 
Governor,  have  you  leisure? 

Gov.  Pages.  I  am  at  your  service.  To  Manuel.  You 
are  the  audience,  so  be  amused. 

Father  Serra.     What    I  'm  to   say  will    take  but  little 

time; 

In  substance  it  's  the  same  as  you  have  heard: 
The  first  and  most  important  point  of  all — 
This  very  pressing  want  of  Mission  guards. 
I  ask  again,  consider  this  request; 
The  men  we  have  are  poor  apologies: 
It  seems  we  always  have  the  poorest  drilled. 
Conversion  is  retarded  by  this  want 
Of  adequate  protection  to  our  homes. 

Gov.  Pages.     Give  you   more   soldiers,  that   I  cannot 

do: 
I  wish  you  'd  let  this  tiresome  subject  drop. 

Father  Serra.  Will  you  detail  some  men  to  follow  up 
The  neophytes,  and  bring  them  back  to  us? 

Gov.  Pages.     I  have  no  men  to  hunt  apostates  now. 
•  Father  Serra.     Desertion  is  a  serious  offence; 
You  let  them  go,  and  so  encourage  it. 

Gov-  Pages.     I  do  not  make  your  converts,  renegades. 

Father  Serra.  You  do  not  advocate  the  fault  direct, 
But  tolerate  the  wrong,  which  is  as  bad. 

Gov.  Pages.     You  take  entirely  too  much  care  of  them ; 


46  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA 

They  would  improve  and  do  as  well  beneath 
The  military  law  and  State's  decree. 

Father  Serra.     The   State  would   educate  but    never 

does, 

Its  education  lacks  religious  thought, 
So  teaches  to  the  youthful  mind  in  vain. 
No  one  is  learned,  knowing  naught  of  Faith; 
Let  Indians  grow  committed  to  the  State's 
Paternal  care,  and  there  will  issue  forth 
A  class  of  beings  ignorant  and  poor; 
Conditioned  lower  than  they  were  by  birth: 
And  in  the  place  of  peace  and  Christian  life. 
God-fearing  natives,  virtuous  and  good; 
There  is  the  bowl,  the  riot  of  the  camp, 
While  flaunting  sin  its  late  hour  revels  keep: 
Then  comes  a  fast  disintegration,  and 
From  customed  union  do  they  drift  away 
As  seeds  are  swept  by  trades  to  other  climes; 
The  wreckage  of  a  race  that  then  remains, 
Must  see  extinction  overcome  their  tribe. 

Gov.  Pages.     How  dismal  do   you  make   their  future 

out. 

I  cannot  help  you  now — I  may  next  year. 
The  more  that  leave  the  less  there  are  to  feed. 
They  '11  all  return  in  time,  so  let  them  go. 

Father  Serra.     Never!  can  I  consent  to  lose  one  soul, 
That  by  salvation  would  that  soul  reclaim! 
'T  w-^uld  be  a  crime  for  us  to  disregard 
Such  heavy  loss  brought  on  through  negligence: 
To  see  one  poor  mis;guided  Indian 
Return  to  those  unfathomed  darkened  depths 


ACT  I.  41 

From  whence  his  soul  emerged.      It  must  not  be! 

Gov.  Pages.     Though  souls  be  lost  or  saved,  I  've  not 

the  men; 

I  need  the  few  I  have  for  other  things. 
Aside.     If  nothing  else,   to  drill  within   the  fort.      To 
Father  Serra.     Pass  to  the  next  request. 
Aside.  And  be  refused. 

Father  Serra.     Will  you  equip  a  party  to  select 
The  mission  sites  for  the  interior? 

Gov.  Fages.     For  this  great  scheme  I  'm  also  unpre- 
pared. 
Father  Serra.     Well,  what  of  the   new   missions    for 

the  South; 

La  Purfsima,  Santa  Barbara? 
Are  you  prepared  to  have  them  founded  now? 

Gov.  Fages.     I     shall    postpone    that    work    another 

year. 

Father  Serra.     The    Channel  with  its  grand  induce- 
ments must 
Be  then  neglected  for  another  year? 

Gov.  Fages.     I  gave  my  ruling  on  this  old  request. 
Father  Serra.     How  long  do  you  allow  the  Church 

to  live 
In  California? 

* 

Gov.  Fages.         The  law  forbids 
My— 

Father  Serra.     Not  the  law,  you  mean   the  governor: 
The  man  who  idles  precious  time  away. 

Gov.  Fages.     Aside.     Ah,  idle,  am  I?     Well,  not  in  a 

plot 
That  has  your  ruin  for  its  pleasant  aim.    To  Father  Serra. 


42  PATH  Ell  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

It  is  this  never  ending  restless  strife 
To  make  conversion  foremost  in  all   moves, 
That  wearies  me;   I  do  not  toil  like  you 
And  I  will  gain  as  much. 

Father  Serra.  Without  a  doubt 

You  may  accomplish  all  the  ends  you  seek; 
But  I  would  shun  the  methods  that  you  use. 

Gov.  Pages.      My  methods  hardly  seem  in  high   repute 
In  California.     That 's  bad  for  you: 
The  king,  though,  deems  them  ample  for  his  needs. 
You  should  forget  there  is  a  governor, 
Then  you  would  not  be  forced  to  make  requests. 

Father  Serra.     And  these  requests  I  make  are  but  the 

rights 

That  have  been  granted  us,  and  you  withhold. 
I  'd  like  oblivion  upon  the  fact 
That  you  must  serve  the  king  as  governor: 
Your  office,  like  a  number  in  the  State, 
Is  far  beyond  the  virtues  of  the  man. 

Gov.  Pages.     I  'm  hearing  this! 

Father  Serra.  Well,  I  intend  you  shall: 

For  I  would  never  say  behind  your  back 
What  I  would  hesitate  to  speak  to  you. 
.Gov.  Pages.     Withhold  your  comments! — for  I  asked 
them  not. 

Father  Serra.      Like    most    officials    you    dislike    the 

truth; 

But  those  whom  you  would  serve  will  welcome  it. 
I  had  you  once  removed — 

Gov.  Pages-  You  '11  not  again! 

Father  Serra.     For  reservation  of  the  friars'  rights; 


ACT  I. 


43 


And  had  I  now  the  health  to  journey  south 

And  lay  before  the  viceroy  a  report 

Of  how  affairs  are  here  administered; 

You  'd  not  be  governor  another  month. 

But  as  it  is  I  have  a  substitute. 

The  documents,  Eduardo.     Now,  a  pen. 

Exit  Eduardo. 

Gov.  Pages.     Complain!  complain!  for  I  shall  answer 

you! 
I  have  complaints  about  your  ways  as  well. 


ACT   II. 

SCENE  I.     EXTERIOR  OF  DON  PABLO'S  HOME.     AFTER- 
NOON, LATE.     JUNE  3,  1784. 
Enter  Father  Serra,  Eduardo  and  Ignacio, 

Father  Serra.     How   very  welcome    is    the  half- way 

house. 

I  hope  Don  Pablo  's  not  away  from  home. 
Announce  we  have  arrived,  Ignacio. 

Ignacio.     Yes,  Father.  Exit. 

Eduardo.  Do  we  stop  here  for  the  night, 

Your  Reverence? 

Father  Serra.         Yes,  for  the  hour  is  late: 
San  Carlos  finds  us  home  to-morrow  noon. 

Eduardo.     Aside.     And    I    can  look   upon   her   face 
again. 

Enter  Don  Pablo  and  Ignacio. 

Don  Pablo.     Ah,  Father,  welcome;  and  Eduardo  too. 
Now  I  regret  the  pleasure  I  have  missed, 
To  act  your  escort  from  the  capital: 
My  willing  horses  ever  wait  your  mount. 

Father  Serra.    You  're  very  kind,  Don  Pablo,  but  you 

know 

The  friars  never  ride.     The  road  was  good 
Along  the  coast;  all  's  well  at  Monterey. 
I  missed  the  governor,  they  said  he  left 


ACT  IL    SCENE  I.  45 

To  visit  you:  I  hope  he  still  remains. 

Don  Pablo.     The  governor  is  here;    he  '11  stop  three 

days; 

He  is  attended  by  Don  Manuel: 
And  the  Senora  also  came  with  him. 

Father  Serra.     I  shall  be  very  glad  to  meet  them  all. 

Don  Pablo.     Now,    Father,  will  you   enter  and    take 

rest? 
My  house  is  yours. 

Father  Serra.  I  do  feel  somewhat  tired. 

Eduardo,  will  you  come? 

Eduardo.  I  would  remain 

Without,  a  little  while,  your  Reverence. 

Exeunt  Father  Serra  and  Don  Pablo. 

Ignacio,  whom  did  you  see  within? 

Ignario.     The  governor  and  Captain  Alvarez. 

Eduardo.     I  meant  the  ladies,  did  you  see  her  there? 

Ignacio.     You  mean  the  Dona  Bar — 

Eduardo.  Dolores. 

Ignacio.  Yes, — 

Eduardo.     Now  leave  me  for  awhile,  Ignacio. 

Ignacio.     Joaquin  the  arriero  is  my  friend; 
Should  I  be  needed  I  will  be  with  him.  Exit. 

Eduardo.     For  months  the  phantom  of  her  lovely  face 
Has  held  a  place  beside  my  daily  prayers: 
I  who  have  been  so  wedded  to  the  Church. 
How  strange  it  seems.      'T  was  admiration  first; 
Then  grew  that  longing  for  companionship: 
The  revelation  followed  on  the  day 
I  helped  the  Father  don  the  alb;  the  act 


46  FATHER  JUNIPERQ  SERRA. 

Brought  thoughts  of  my  novitiate  to  come; 

And  then  I  found  I  could  not  say  farewell; 

I  was  in  love, — how  sweet  the  moment  seemed: 

It  then  occurred  to  me  that  I  had  sinned; 

I  prayed  and  in  that  prayer  there  came  a  thought, 

'That  pure  and  holy  love  was  not  a  sin; 

What  He  creates  can  never  be  a  wrong.' 

But  when  I  laid  that  vestment  in  the  chest, 

It  seemed  I  laid  aside  a  noble  work: 

O,  what  a  bitter  argument  commenced; 

For  one  has  but  to  choose  of  diverse  paths, 

To  lay  foundation  for  the  mind's  unrest. 

It  's  over  now.      I  '11  find  her  and  confess.  Exit. 

Enter  Donas  Eulalia  and  Dolores. 

Dona  Eulalia.     I  'd  favor  him  if  I  were  you. 

Dolores.  Why  so  ? 

Dona  Eulalia.     Because  he  will  be  prominent  in  time. 
Don  Pedro  favors  him;  when  he  does  that 
With  one,  his  fortune  is  assured. 

Dolores.  I  hope 

He  '11  always  be  in  favor  then. 

Dona  Eulalia.  I  think, 

Dolores,  you  would  like  to  see  him  rise. 

Dolores.     No  more  than  I  would  any  one. 

Dona  Eulalia.  Who  knows 

But  some  day  he  might  ask — 

Dolores.  Perchance—  some  day. 

Enter  Eduardo,  crossing  back  of  stage. 

Eduardo.     She  never  is  alone  of  late.      I'll  write. 
The  pen  is  best,  my  courage  might  depart.  Exit. 


ACT  II.    SCENE  I.  47 

Dolores.     Now  there  is  one  who  surely  will  be  heard. 

Dona  Eulalia.     Yes,  he  is  under  the  right  tutelage. 
Here  's  one  as  worthy,  and  who  is  assured 
Of  honors  from  the  State  and  from  the  king. 

»  Enter  Manuel. 

Manuel.     Well,  ladies,  A  Dios. 

Dolores.  What,  going  now? 

Manuel.     Yes,  still  not  far;   I  will  be  back  at  eve. 

Dona  Eulalia.      But  you  must  sing,  you  promised  me 
you  would. 

Manuel.     Official   business. 

Dona  Eulalia.  Sing  us  just  one  song. 

Manuel.     Will  not  manana  do? 

Dona    Eulalia.  No,  no,  Senor. 

Dolores.      Here  is  the   instrument,  I  'm   sure  you  will. 

Dona  Eulalia.      I  love    to    hear  one    sing   that    has  a 
voice. 

Manuel.     I  have  a  voice  for  calling  orders  out: 
I  also  have  a  cold;   I  'm  always  hoarse 
When  I  am  asked  to  sing.      I  better  go 
My  two  league  trip,  far  up  among  the  hills; 
And  when  I  'm  there  in  clearer  atmosphere 
I  '11  sing  to  you  a  song  of  love  or  war, 
Or,  better  still,  of  woman's  constancy; 
And  let  the  distant  echoes  come  to  you 
Well  tempered  and  improved  by  passing  winds. 

Dona  Eulalia.     Now  that  excuse,  Senor,  will  not  avail: 
As  wife  to  your  superior,  I  say, 
Don  Manuel,  you  must. 

Dolores.  Hear  that?     Comme 


48  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Manuel,     You  know  I  have  a  grave  suspicion  that 
My  auditors  will  sadly  slip  away, 
Before  initial  notes,  crescendo,  rise. 

Dolores.     That  punishment  is  not  in  store  for  you. 

Dona  Eulalia.     Your  voice  calls   not  for  such  severe 

neglect. 
Sing  of  the  sea. 

Dolores.  O  yes,  I  love  the  see. 

Manuel  plays  guitar  and  sings. 

O  dwell  'mid  the  maritime  pines; 

Go  live  near  the  sound  of  the  sea; 
On  sands  where  the  waves  find  their  shrines; 
Let  grief  toforgetfulnessflee. 

Its  wild  stormy  moods  of  ten  seetn 

Like  times  in  one's  life  that  are  past: 

Its  calms,  like  the  lulls  which  redeem, 
The  life  that  misfortune  would  blast. 

But  sympathy  sweet  one  can  trace 

In  waves  which  so  ceaselessly  roll: 
The  sad  in  the  sea  find  a  grace, 
And  rest  to  the  deep-burdened  soul. 

Yea,  dream  on  the  rocks  of  the  shore; 

Heed  not  the  rough  blight  of  the  years: 
But  let  the  great  ocean  restore 

Hopes  lost  in  the  past  and  in  tears. 

When  pines  to  the  sea  sigh  refrain; 

They  speak  to  the  wish  thai  is  dead: 
The  weary  will  find  from  the  main; 

The  light  of  good  hope  has  not  fled. 


ACT  II.     SCENE  I.  -19 

Dolores.     The  song  was  very  sweet. 
Dona  Eulalia.  Ah,  Capitan, 

I  thought  I  heard  you  say  you  could  not  sing. 

Enter  Ignacio. 

Ignacio.     The  governor  would  see  Don  Manuel.  Exit. 

Manuel.     There,    there,    a   reprimand;    and  you  the 

cause. 
You  kept  me  captive  here. 

Dona  Eulalia.  I  '11  intercede. 

Dolores.     Tell  him  it  was  our  fault. 

Manuel.  Of  course  it  was. 

Beware  the  wrath  of  the  executive. 

Dona  Eulalia.     We  're  not  afraid  of  him. 

Dolores.  Do  tell  him  that. 

I  hope  your  ride  will  be  a  pleasant  one. 

Dona  Eulalia.      I  'm  sure  it  will. 

Manuel.  Thanks.     A  Dios,  again.     Exit. 

Dolores.     Sefiora,  you  must  see  my  garden  now, 
I  have  so  many  new  varieties. 
There  is  a  lovely  orchid  from  Peru, 
That  calls  an  Eastern  Cordillera,  home; 
It  's  named  the  Inca's  Heart,  white  splashed  with  red. 
My  rarest  orchid  though,  the  gem  of  all, 
Grew  on  a  graven  god  of  sacrifice 
In  mystic  Yucatan.     A  friend  of  ours, 
Jose"  Juares.  sent  the  plants  to  us. 

Dona  Eulalia.     Indeed,  I  wish  to  see   them.      Let  us 
go.  Exeunt. 

Enter  Gov.  Pages  and  Manuel. 


50  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Gov.  Pages.  On  the  road  to  the  rancheria  you  pass 
San  Carlos,  avoid  it. 

Manuel.  I  shall.  Well,  buenas  tardes,  I  may  be 
back  by  Vespers. 

Gov.  Pages.  Wait,  there  is  no  hurry;  we  have  so 
little  time  together. 

Manuel.  Suppose  I  'm  going  to  be  with  you  when  we 
are  at  Rancho  del  Carrasco? 

Gov.  Pages.  Bueno,  bueno!  Most  important!  How 
are  your  love  affairs? 

Manuel.  Speak  in  the  singular;  I  've  only  one,  I 
want  no  more.  Over  two  months  have  passed  and  no 
encouragement. 

Gov.  Pages.  Keep  it  up;  make  love  to  her  at  every 
opportunity;  she  will  get  tired  and  capitulate  in  time. 

Manuel     That  is  not  saying  much  for  my  attractions. 

Gov.  Pages.  If  one  is  not  attractive,  he  must  be 
attentive.  You  are  attractive  enough. 

Manuel.     What  is  it,  then? 

Gov.  Pages.  Never  try  to  account  for  whims.  Did 
the  interpreter  accompany  us? 

Manuel     Yes. 

Gov.  Pages.  Be  sure  to  take  him  along.  You  see  how 
important  it  is  to  have  a  private  understanding  with  the 
chief;  Don  Pablo,  the  other  day,  made  mention  of  his 
need  of  more  help,  so  I  determined  to  supply  the  want. 

Manuel.     An  excellent  idea. 

Gov.  Pages.  I  had  the  sergeant  bring  an  extra  sword 
which  you  can  present  to  the  chief  with  some  ceremony, 
— give  him  my  regards  and  promise  greater  things  to 
come. 


ACT  II.     SCENE  L  51 

Manuel-  Very  well.  I  might  give  him  a  pair  of  gloves 
I  no  longer  use. 

Gov.  Pages.  Contribute  those  when  we  have  some- 
thing else  to  ask  of  him.  Obtain  not  less  than  ten  run- 
away neophytes,  and  I  think  you  had  better  let  Sergeant 
Verdugo  and  four  men  take  them  first  to  Monterey, 
then  they  will  appear  as  Presidio  Indians. 

Manuel.  He  will  be  pleased  when  he  receives  their 
services. 

Gov.  Pages.  I  am  winning  him  step  by  step;  why  he 
said  not  an  hour  ago,  I  'd  make  a  splendid  viceroy. 

Manuel.     He  told  the  truth,  but  what  occasioned  it? 

Gov.  Fages.  He  is  displeased  with  the  way  Matias 
de  Galvez  treated  a  friend  of  his  who  lives  in  Acapulco 
or  Mazatlan,  I  have  forgotten  which. 

Manuel.     Of  course  you  considered  it  a  shame? 

Gov.  Pages.     It  was  an  outrage  in  my  diplomatic  eyes. 

Manuel.     And  you  sympathized? 

Gov-  Pages.  He  is  the  very  picture  of  injured  inno- 
cence that  has  been  comforted.  Mark  me,  before  many 
months  I  will  have  him  so  bound  by  obligations,  that 
when  the  king  sends  for  reports  of  me,  having  in  view 
an  official  change,  Senor  Valencia  can  inform  his  maj- 
esty, thus:  "I  am  acquainted  with  the  governor,  an 
excellent  executive." 

Manuel.  The  king  responds:  "He  's  an  honor  to  the 
throne;  promote  Fages." 

Gov.  Fages.    And  Fages  rules  as  commandant-general. 

Manuel.     To  wait  his  turn  as  viceroy;  while  I — 

Gov.  Fages.  March  on  at  equal  pace,  though  a  little 
in  the  rear. 


52  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Manuel.  To  be  viceroy  when  you  enjoy  the  res- 
idencia. 

Gov.  Pages.  Certainly!  Everything  is  looking  well 
for  us.  The  Manila  galleon  will  soon  be  here,  and 
when  she  leaves  for  San  Bias,  she  carries  some  new 
charges  I  am  studying  up  regarding  the  friars'  move- 
ments. 

Manuel.  Let  no  complaint  stand  unproclaimed.  But 
their  communication  of  last  Spring  may  injure  us. 

Gov-  Pages.     I  do  not  think  so. 

Enter  Don  Pablo. 

Don  Pablo.  Well,  gentlemen,  I  hope  the  hours  pass 
pleasantly. 

Gov.  Pages.     They  do,  Senor. 

Manuel.  You  have  the  best  located  rancho  in  Cali- 
fornia, I  like  the  name,  Del  Carrasco;  it's  so  appro- 
priate. 

Gov.  Pages.  I  always  thought  the  southern  half  of 
this  peninsula,  with  this  magnificent  view  of  Carmelo 
Bay  and  the  Sierra  Santa  Lucias,  was  an  ideal  situa- 
tion for  a  hacienda. 

Don  Pablo.  The  very  reason  I  selected  it.  Senor 
Carrillo  on  his  visit  here,  first  brought  it  to  my  notice; 
and  Senor  Guerrero  helped  me  stock  the  place. 

Manuel.  Did  you  not  say,  Don  Pedro,  that  Senor 
Valencia's  title  to  the  rancheria  tract  would  soon  be  up 
from  Mexico? 

Gov.  Pages.     Yes;   it  will   be  here  the  coming  month. 

Don  Pablo.  I  feel  under  great  obligations  to  you, 
Governor. 


ACT  If.    SCENE  I.  53 

Gov.  Pages.  I  'm  sure  you  will  find  the  venture  prof- 
itable. 

Manuel.  It  is  the  finest  property  within  a  radius  of 
twenty  leagues. 

Don  Pablo.  I  thought  the  selection  good.  But  what 
is  to  be  done  with  the  rancheria  now  upon  it?  That 
has  worried  me  some  of  late. 

Manuel.     Move  it  off. 

Don  Pablo.     The  Fathers  might  object. 

Gov.  Pages.     Charge  the  Indians  rent. 

Don  Pablo.     I  '11  think  it  over. 

Manuel      I  will  go,  it  is  getting  late. 

Gov.  Pages-      Vamos! 

Manuel.  I  have  a  mission  to  perform  so  I  '11  be  ab- 
sent till  Vespers. 

Don  Pablo-  Wait,  I  will  see  you  off.  I  '11  return 
directly,  Governor. 

Manuel.     A  Dios. 

Gov.  Pages-     A  Dios. 

Exeunt  Don  Pablo  and  Manuel- 
My  enemy!    I  '11  smile  on  him  to-day. 
Enter  Father  Serra. 

Father  Serra.     Now,  Governor,  returning  to  our  wish; 
To-day  you  were  to  give  me  your  reply. 
What  do  you  say? 

Gov.  Pages.  It  must  be,  '  No,'  again. 

Father  Serra.     Are  you  to  ever  favor  us  ? 

Gov.     Pages.  As  yet 

I  've  no  authority  to  give  you  aid. 


54  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Serra.     This  is  within  your  power. 

Gov.  Pages.  Pardon  me — 

Father  Serra.     How   marvelous    the    office    that   you 

hold! 

Your  power  contracts  and  then  expands  at  will; 
When  you  could  injure  us,  your  sway  is  great; 
When  you  could  favor  us,  you  're  limited. 
But  we  will  see  what  our  complaints  will  bring. 

Gov.  Pages.      I  hope  the  government  will  do  for  you. 
I  bend  to  hear  the  wishes  of  my  king, 
And  when  I  know  his  wish  I  know  my  way: 
The  viceroy  orders  and  to  him  I  bow, 
For  is  he  not  the  king  in  Mexico? 
I  find  the  laws  and  they  must  be  enforced: 
He  says  your  mail  must  not  be  carried  free; 
I  think  his  regulation  very  wise: 
So  where  am  I  to  blame? 

Father  Serra.  No,  sir,  of  late 

He  has  not  ordered  so,  we  hear  from  him. 
It  has  been  understood  a  year  or  more, 
The  friars'  letters  should  be  carried  free; 
Based  on  the  privilege  I  once  obtained: 
But  you  so  far  exceed  the  powers  with  which 
You  were  invested  by  his  majesty, 
In  your  anxiety  to  injure  us; 
That  regulations  now  long  obsolete 
Have  been  revived,  and  so  enlarged  upon 
That  they  become  the  laws,  administered 
With  due  severity. 

Gov.  Pages.  How  very  strange 

This  great  delusion,  I  your  enemy. 


ACT  II.    SCENE  1.  55 

I  'm  your  friend  and  better  than  you  think. 

Father  Serra.     What! 

Gov.  Pages-  It 's  a  true  assertion  that  I  make; 

Sometimes  the  actions  of  a  friend  appear 
The  actions  of  an  enemy. 

Father  Serra.  Stop,  stop! 

Don  Pedro,  stop!  and  speak  no  more  like  that: 
You  make  yourself  a  glaring  hypocrite. 
A  friend  to  us!  O,  what  hypocrisy! 
There  're  times  when  friends  seem  to  us  enemies, 
When  striving  to  protect  us  from  some  harm; 
But  you  are  not  that  kind  of  friend  to  us. 

Gov.  Pages.     I  know   the   good   you   do,    I  am  your 

friend; 
I  'm  always  willing  to  concede,  when  the — 

Father  Serra.     Of  course,  when  the  concession  favors 

you. 

I  ask  if  you  are  well  supplied  with  arms, 
You  answer,  "  Yes,"  and  only  wait  the  word 
To  be  of  use  in  crushing  savage  life; 
Provided,  that  the  venture  gives  to  you 
The  reputation  of  a  governor, 
Whose  conquests  cast  a  glory  on  the  throne: 
But  when  I  ask  for  peaceful  means  to  tide 
The  flood  of  savagery  around  us  here; 
Those  little  things  that  help  conversion  much; 
Those  slight  protections  that  would  do  no  harm, 
But  awe  the  bold  and  reckless  Indian; 
You  then  become  too  helpless  to  assist, 
And  answer  in  that  aggravating  way, 


56  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Meant  to  divert  the  subject,  or  to  tell 
How  much  you  love  us  for  the  good  we  do. 

Gov.   Pages.     Now,    now,   when   will  these  constant 
quarrels  end? 

Father  Serra.     When  you  have  given   to  the  Church 

its  due. 

Expecting  peace,  you  aim  your  secret  blows. 
The  lips,  that  utter  overtures  for  peace 
Designed  in  words  as  you  presented  now, 
Profane  the  pax  if  thereon  it  were  sealed. 
The  state  affairs  are  rotten  at  the  core 
For  lack  of  honest-hearted  men  to  rule. 

Gov.  Pages.     The  state  affairs  as  here  administered — 
Are  just  as  pure  as  honesty  can  make. 

Father  Serra.      Not  in  the  least    are  our  conclusions 

wrong; 

These  schemes  of  politics  need  strong  reproof: 
To  gain  ascendancy  what  ends  some  men 
Will  follow  up  in  way  of  cunning  arts; 
Low  subtle  plans  and  dark  intrigues  for  gain; 
Duplicity  renamed  diplomacy; 
Ends  so  contemptible  they  dare  not  let 
The  people  know  about;  ends  based  upon 
A  motto  that  is  secret  to  themselves; 
Which  were  it  blazoned  forth  the  world  would  read, 
"We  live  to  grasp  position,  wealth  and  power;" 
To  which  they  add  so  but  the  conscience  hears, 
"The  way  that  we  ascend  is  shrouded  black, 
We  '11  screen  intentions  by  convenient  laws, 
In  other  words  we  '11  legalize  a  crime, 
So  silence,  silence,  silence  is  the  word. 


ACT  II.     SCENE  I.  57 

And  then  a  guileless  world  will  honor  us, 

And  say  of  us,  'Gaze  on  those  mighty  men, 

How  well  they  earned  the  honors  that  we  give; 

How  fortunate,  what  spotless  lives  they  lead:'  " 

And  in  the  consummation  of  this  work 

They  do  forget  their  fellows  and  their  God, 

And  so  the  people  have  to  bow  beneath 

The  wisdom  and  dominion  of  the  sword, 

That  's  wielded  by  an  army  picaroon. 

Talk  not  to  me  of  purity  of  state, 

For  such  a  strange  condition  never  has 

And  never  will  exist,  so  long  as  man 

Ignores  the  laws  and  teachings  of  the  Church. 

Gov.  Pages.     Now,  Father,  will  you  ever  be  convinced 
That  you  are  wrong? 

Father  Serra.  I  '11  never  be  convinced. 

Gov.  Pages.     I  '11  tell  you  what,  here  's  our  respected 

friend; 

But  though  he  leans  toward  you  in  kindliness 
More  than  to  me,  let  him  be  judge  of  what 
Is  right  upon  this  franking  privilege; 
I  feel  assured  he  will  agree  with  me. 

Father  Serra.  Most  willingly  will  I  defer  to  him; 
Though  it  's  mere  pastime,  still  it  will  have  weight: 
I  'd  like  to  have  him  know  what  we  endure. 

Enter  Don  Pablo. 

Don  Pablo,  you  have  been  appointed  judge. 

Gov.  Fages.     Convince  his  Reverence  that  I  am  right. 

Don  Pablo.     Am  at  your  service,  Father,  Governor. 
What  may  the  issue  be?     Come,  go  within, 


58  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

And  over  some  refreshment  we  '11  decide. 

Gov.  Pages.     Aside.     By  this  I  '11  see  whom   he  will 

patronize: 

If  he  appreciates  what  I  have  done 
For  him,  my  favors  then  will  be  his  bribe.  Exeunt. 

Enter  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.  Reading  letter.  "Senorita  Dolores:  Be  my 
confessor  now.  That  I  love  you  do  not  misjudge  as  a 
sudden  fancy,  for  the  infatuation  has  with  it  the  wealth 
of  time.  This  is  not  in  keeping  with  the  course  I  intended 
to  pursue,  but  on  your  word  I  will  renounce  the  same  to 
seek  success  in  other  than  religious  fields.  If  you  refuse 
my  poor  oblation:  return  to  me  this  writing  on  which 
you  have  indorsed  the  figure  of  the  cross— if  you  accept, 
then  write  thereon  your  blessed  name;  so  sacred  to  the 
Church,  so  hallowed  in  my  heart.  Dolores,  decide 
the  fate  of  Eduardo  Ortega." 
Always  attended. 

Enter  Donas  Eulalia,  Dolores  and  Barbara. 

Dolores*     His  Reverence  is  often  met  at  prayer 
Beneath  those  gnarled,  grotesque  and  ghostly  limbs. 

Dona  Eulalia.     At  night,  Dolores? 

Dolores.  Yes. 

Dona  Eulalia.  O, holy  man. 

I  sometimes  marvel  at  his  great  success 
In  the  conversion  of  the  Indians: 
I  need  not  though  with  such  devotion  shown. 

Dona  Barbara.     To  fail  would  be  the  marvel  oi  his  life. 


ACT  II.     SCENE  r. 


59 


Eduardo.      To  pass  him  in  his  loftiness  of  thought, 
Excel  him  in  the  greatness  of  his  works, 
Exceed  him  in  his  pious  kindliness, 
Transcend  his  deep  devotion  to  our  God, 
Or  still  display  more  energy  than  he; 
One  could  not  do. 

Dolores.  You  picture  him  in  that. 

Dona  Eulaiia.     You  came  along  the  coast? 

Eduardo.  Yes,  not  around 

Point  Pinos,  for  that  is  too  long  a  road. 
The  Father  wished  to  gaze  upon  the  sea 
For  southern  sails,  bound  northward  with  supplies; 


UFITBRSITT] 


60  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Although  his  watchfulness  brought  no  reward. 

Dolores.     But  then  the  way — what  an  unrivalled  way. 
Eduardo.     Ah,  yes,  indeed  it  is.     This  afternoon 

The  sun  while  sinking  in  the  distant  west, 
Was  by  the  cumulus  and  stratus  veiled; 
And  in  those  vapor  barriers  prevailed 

The  wondrous  tints,  eve's  hour  makes  manifest. 

Outspreading  like  gigantic  airy  fans, 

The  streaming  rays  through  fleecy  rifts  to  me 
Appeared,  above  the-still  Pacific  sea; 

Reflecting  golden  shadows  on  the  sands. 

The  scene,  my  mind  so  gently  did  enchain, 

That  I  sang  out  our  Padre's  evening  psalm; 

The  Father  joined  me  in  the  sweet  refrain, 

And  o'er  my  soul  there  came  a  rest  so  calm; 

For  in  that  song  my  feelings  found  release, 

And  life  for  once  seemed  one  of  perfect  peace. 

Dona  Eulalia.     What  sweet   content   one  draws  from 
Nature's  views. 

Dona  Barbara.      Oft  have  I  noticed   such   a  scene  as 

that 
From  our  retreat. 

Dona  Eulalia.         Where  grow  the  cypress? 

Dona  Barbara.  Yes, 

In  the  fantastic  forms;   and  where  the  pines, 
Sweet  censers  of  the  land,  perfume  the  air, 

Dolores.     And  to  the  melody  of  rustling  leaves 
The  harp  responds. 

Eduardo.     Aside.     Friend  that  I  know  so  well. 


ACT  II.    SCENE  I.  61 

Dona  Eulalia..     It  is  the  place  for  poetry  and  song. 

Dolores-     Did  you  discover  any  pretty  shells? 

Eduardo.     O  yes,  I  meant  to  tell  you  that  I  brought 
For  your  collection  some  rare  specimens. 

Dolores-     Thank  you,  Eduardo. 

Dona  Eulalia.  Let  us  see  the  shells. 

Eduardo.     They  're  beautiful.      I  left   them   near   the 
oak. 

Dona  Barbara.     We  '11  have  Mateo   polish    them   to- 
night. Exeunt. 

Enter  Father  Serr a,  Gov.  Fages  and  Don  Pablo. 

Gov.  Fages.     I  thought,  Senor,  you  would  agree  with 

me. 
Father  Serra.     And   now  you  see   that   I   was  in  the 

right: 
I  hope  this  judgment  will  have  weight  with  you. 

Gov.  Fages.     I  really  wished  it  could,  your  Reverence, 
But  what  the  viceroy  says  must  be  enforced: 
Though  I  confess  Don  Pablo  changed  my  views. 

Father  Serra.     I  'm  glad  to  hear  you  say  that,  Gov- 
ernor. 
Gov.  Fages.     Aside.     About  his  willingness   to  take  a 

bribe. 

Father  Serra.     Don  Pablo,  you  exhibited  those   traits 
That  judges  seem  so  seldom  to  possess. 

Gov.  Fages.     Yes,  your  remarks  were  wise  and  per- 
tinent, 
And  your  decision  an  impartial  one. 

Father  Serra.     I  wish  that  you  could  be  alcalde  here. 
Don  Pedro,  could  you  not  create  the  post? 


62  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Gov.  Pages.      Why,  certainly,  but  would  Senor  accept? 

Father  Serra.      Although   the   office   is    beneath    your 

rank, 

And  nominating  you  I  surely  owe 
A  deep  apology;  yet  I  would  not 
Have  mentioned  it,  had  I  not  heard  you  say, 
You  thought  the  office  honored  any  man, 
Especially  in  countries  new  as  this. 

Don  Pablo.     You  owe  me,  Father,  no  apology. 
You  have  suggested  and  have  tendered,  friends, 
An  honor  due  to  merits  hardly  mine. 
I  've  always  shunned  the  law  as  I  have  shunned 
The  restless  city  world.     My  happiness, 
And  that  I  would  consult,  lies  mid  the  scenes 
Of  sea  and  pastoral  sublimity; 
My  herds  have  been  increasing  rapidly, 
And  now  that  I  shall  soon  receive  the — 

Gov.  Pages.  Hush! 

Picks  up  stone  and  throws  off.     Exits  and  re-enters  with  a 
wounded  bird. 

I  rarely  miss  my  aim ! 

Father  Serra.      Taking  bird.     A  cruel  act. 

Gov.  Pages.     That  opportunity  I  could  not  lose, 
For  I  was  always  good  at  throwing  stones. 
Aside.     He  noted  not  the  incivility. 
To  Don  Pablo.     What  is  the  bird? 

Don  Pablo.  A  wood  thrush,  I  believe. 

Father  Serra.     Must  these  sweet  singers  be  the  prey 

of  men? 
Has  our  executive  no  better  sport 


ACT  II.    SCENE  I.  63 

Then  to  rehearse  the  wantonness  of  youth? 
A  broken  wing.      Be  quiet,  wounded  friend, 
I  '11  help  you — there  is  Dona  Barbara. 
I  've  seen  her  save  these  injured  birds  before. 

Exeunt  Father  Serra  and  Don  Pablo. 

Gov.  Pages.     Another   word   and   Serra    would    have 

known 

About  that  grant  of  land.     I  better  warn — 
No,  he  would  be  suspicious  if  I  did: 
For  nearly  three  months  it  has  been  a  risk, 
It  can  continue  so  a  month  or  more.  Exit. 

Enter  Dolores  and  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.  Holding  a  rosary  in  his  hand.  Why,  Dolores, 
I  am  not  worthy  of  this  sacred  gift. 

Dolores.  I  think  you  are.  I  knew  you  would  be  pleased 
if  I  made  a  rosary  for  you. 

Eduardo-  I  am,  and  I  thank  you,  I  thank  you  with 
all  my  heart.  It  shall  always  be  with  me,  and  when  I 
count  these  hallowed  and  iridescent  beads,  your  name 
will  ever  be  remembered  in  the  prayers. 

Dolores.     Thank  you,  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.  Tell  me  the  history  of  this  lovely  emblem 
of  the  mysteries. 

Dolores.  The  chain,  a  silver  one,  has  been  an  heir- 
loom in  our  family  almost  three  hundred  years, — 

Eduardo.     Wrought  in  the  misty  decades  of  the  past. 

Dolores.  Its  story  is  authentic.  It  held  captive  a 
large  and  brilliant  toucan,  that  Christopher  Columbus 
brought  to  court  on  his  first  return. 


64  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Eduardo.     O,  valued  relic  of  the  great  discovery. 

Dolores.  The  beads  are  from  the  abalone  shells  I 
found  upon  the  beach. 

Eduardo.     Touched  by  a  sea  Columbus  never  saw. 

Dolores.     The  cross — 

Eduardo.     The  sacred  symbol  of  the  Christian  Faith. 

Dolores.  Is  from  a  piece  of  yellow  sandal-wood 
brought  from  the  Philippines. 

Eduardo.  The  navigator's  dream.  You  carved  the 
cross  and  beads,  Dolores? 

Dolores.     Yes,  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.     Aside.     The  rosary  is  blest. 

Dolores.  Do  you  know,  Eduardo,  you  seem  worried 
of  late. 

Eduardo.     I  am. 

Dolores.     It  is  nothing  serious,  I  hope? 

Eduardo.  It  seems  so,  but  may  not  be.  Aside.  The 
letter  is  best — no — yes — 

Dolores.  One  of  those  conditions  of  the  mind  where 
confusion  and  indecision  rule? 

Eduardo.     Yes,  yes,  that  is  it. 

Dolores.  Perhaps  I  can  comfort  you;  let  me  act  your 
confidant. 

Eduardo.  Yes,  I  will  confide — you  will  hear  me — you 
will  decide — and  when  you  have  heard  what  I  have  to 
say — judge  me  not  harshly. 

Dolores.  I  could  never  do  that;  I  know  too  well  the 
mission  of  sympathy.  What  is  the  trouble? 

Eduardo.  It  is — I — the  Church  must  lose — I  cannot 
speak — here — let  my  messenger  speak  for  me.  Starts 
to  give  letter  to  Dolores.  Suddenly  notices  the  rosary  in  his 


ACT  II.    SCENE  II. 


65 


left  hand,  which  he  gazes  at,  and  then  at  the  letter.  No, 
no,  Dolores,  I  cannot  tell  you  now!  Wait,  wait — yes, 
wait — forgive  me  for  refusing  to  confide.  Starts  to  exit. 
I  am  not  ready,  for  I  do  not  know  my  way.  Exit. 


SCENE   II.      ANOTHER   PART   OF  THE   RANCHO  OVER- 
LOOKING CARMELO  BAY.     MOONLIGHT.     JUNE  3,  1784. 

Enter  Donas  Dolores  and  Barbara. 

Dolores.     How  marked  the  moonlight   shadows   seem 

to-night; 

The  cypress  have  their  outlines  well  defined. 
O,  look  upon  the  sea! 

Dona   Barbara.  The  scene  is  grand. 

How  far  the  great  Pacific  is  illumed. 

Dolores.     It  is  a  stoup  where  beams  may  blessings 
take 


66  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

For  those  in  far  ethereal  abodes. 

Enter  Father  Serra,  unseen  by  stage- 

Dona  Barbara.     Where  hang  the  pendants  of   a  holy 
throne. 

Father  Serra.     That  light  the  upward  way  of  saintly 

souls 

To  immortality.     Well,  children,  what 
Has  brought  you  here? 

Dona  Barbara.  The  view,  your  Reverence. 

Dolores.     For  this  is  our  retreat  where  after  prayers 
We  often  spend  a  quiet  leisure  hour. 

Father  Serra.     No   one  could  wish  a  better  place  to 

rest. 

How  small  are  we  in  this  stupendous  space. 
O,  marvelous  the  works  of  God:   For  us, 
He  has  ordained  one  scene  of  beauty  shall 
Tread  close  upon  some  vanishing  display; 
So  fades  the  sun  in  sunset  glorious, 
And  from  the  dusk  that  masks  the  coming  change 
There  is  evolved  a  great  mosaic  dome, 
Whose  golden  settings  aid  the  silver  moon 
In  lending  to  the  earth  a  borrowed  light. 
Let  infidels  behold  and  then  explain 
How  came  the  system  so  appropriate 
To  wants  of  man.      O  origin  divine. 
My  children,  let  my  blessings  be  with  you.  Exit. 

Dolia  Barbara.     How  deep,  how  reaching  his  philoso- 
phy. 

Dolores.     It  is  indeed. 

Dona  Barbara.  Tell  me,  Dolores,  dear, 


ACT  II.    SCENE  II.  67 

What  do  you  think  of  Captain  Alvarez? 

Dolores.     Now,  Barbara,  why  do  you  ask? 

Dona  Barbara.  Because — 

Because — just  this;  when  he  is  not  with  you 
Or  Governor  Fages,  he  is  with  me — 

Dolores-      Has  he — 

Dona  Barbara.  No,  not  in  love  with  me  but  then 

I  think  he  is  in  love  with  you. 

Dolores.  I  knew 

That  long  ago. 

Dona  ^Barbara.     You  did ! 

Dolores.  Why,  certainly. 

Dona  Barbara.     Then  he  has  told  you  so? 

Dolores.  He  might  as  well. 

Dona  Barbara.     Now  this  is  news  to  me;  and   that  is 

why 

He  often  comes  appearing  so  in  doubt 
About  what  you  must  thirrk  of  him.      I  thought 
That  probably  he  had  offended  you. 

Dolores.      He  talks  to  you  of  me? 

Dona  Barbara.  Of  nothing  else. 

Your  joys  and  sorrows,  hopes  and  fears,  are  all 
Upon  the  list  of  questions  he  has  asked: 
He  takes  an  interest  in  all  you  do; 
The  story  of  your  life  I  've  told  him  twice. 

Dolores.     How  very  tired  you  must  become  of  him. 

Dona  Barbara.     No,  for  I  am  amused,  so  artless  does 
He  try  to  make  the  questions  seem  to  me. 
We  must  return;  we  '11  talk  of  this  again. 

Dolores.     Go  slowly  in  advance,  and  I  will  come 
Directly  after,  now  I  want  to  think 


68  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

A  little  while  alone. 

Dona  Barbara.          As  you  desire.  /T.i/V. 

Dolores.     Eduardo  seems  so  worried,  but  no  doubt 
He  wished  to  tell  of  struggles  for  their  rights. 
He  is  so  earnest  when  he  speaks,  and  then 
He  takes  the  friars'  troubles  so  to  heart. 
To  love  I  'm  sure  he  never  gave  a  thought;— 
How  often  in  the  past  I  've  wished  he  would. 
It  could  not  be — no,  it  was  of  the  Church. 

Manuel.      Without.     Whoa,  Concha. 

Dolores.  It  's  Don  Manuel,  returned. 

Manuel.      Without.     Stay  here  until  I  find  that  narrow 
trail. 

Enter  Manuel. 

What,  Senorita,  is  it  you  I  see, 

So  far  from  home  at  night  and  here  alone? 

Dolores.     It  is  not  far  away,  Don  Manuel. 
We  just  came  out,  that  's  Barbara  and  I, 
To  have  a  pleasant  walk.      How  came  you  hare? 

Manuel.     I  left  my  escort  a  full  league  behind, 
And  started  out  to  find  the  way  alone; 
I  lost  the  trail,  it  was  a  lucky  loss. 
Is  Dona  Barbara  with  you? 

Dolores.  Not  now, 

We  were  just  going  home,  she  is  ahead. 

Manuel.     Delay  your  going  for  a  while. 
I  thought  of  you  when  on  my  homeward  way. 

Dolores.     In  consequence  I  made  you  lose  your  way. 

Manuel.     To  end  as  this  I  would  be  lost  again. 
The  subject  was  a  most  absorbing  one, 


ACT  IT     SCENE  II. 

And  as  I  rode  along  I  gave  my  thoughts 
To  dreamy  reveries,  and  Vespers  chimed 
From  sweet  San  Carlos  bells  as  shadows  fell 
And  night  stood  commandant  to  fleeting  hours. 

When  deeper  shadows  of  the  night  o'ertake 
In  silent  way  the  early  evening  hour, 
Then  soft  and  low  the  silver  bells  forsake 
Their  quiet  vigil  in  the  mission  tower: 
In  rhythmic  measure  sound  the  silvery  notes 
As  o'er  the  peaceful  valley  they  vibrate; — 
How  tuneful  sweet  the  holy  music  floats, — 
While  drowsy  doves  in  sudden  flight  gyrate. 
So  in  such  twilights  oft  I  take  my  way, 
To  pray  at  Vespers  in  the  place  where  dwells 
An  absolution  for  our  sins  of  day; 
What  consolation  'neath  those  saintly  bells; 
And  at  my  death  I  ask  no  greater  boon, 
Than  pass  away  as  floats  their  sacred  tune. 

Dolores.      May  you  receive  the  blessing  that  you  ask. 
Manuel.     Yours  is  indeed  a  kindly  wish  for  me. 

I  've  ever  found  you  good  as  beautiful. 
Dolores.     Sefior,  you  really  favor  me  beyond — 
Manuel.     That  is  a  pleasure,  I  could  think  of  you 

Forever.     Yes — I  have  to  think  of  you; 

I  cannot  nor  I  would  not  cast  aside 

Such  pleasant  thoughts,  of  such  a  pleasant  theme. 
Dolores.     Now  do  not  worship  me — 
Manuel.  I  do,  I  do! 

Your  graces  ask  a  man's  idolatry, 


70 


FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 


For  admiration  is  too  poor  a  word. 

Dolores-     Do  you  forget  the  other  ladies  here? 
What  of  Carlota  or  Engracia? 
Are  Sefioritas  Isabel,  Ines, 
Or  Rosa  Davila  by  you  forgot? 

Manuel.     I  have  no  thought  of  others  that  are  here. 

Dolores.     You  are  in  love — so  blind  to  grievous  faults. 

Manuel.     The  object  of  my  love,  I  took  the  care 
To  find  devoid  of  trying  faults,  before 
I  would  allow  myself  to  be  enslaved. 

Dolores.     Ah!  so  you  studied  up  advantages 


ACT  IL    SCENE  I!  71 

With  cold  and  business-like  alacrity, 
And  then — you  fell  in  love. 

Manuel.  No,  no!     I —  I — 

Dolores.     Yes;  yes,  you  have  acknowledged  that  was  it. 

Manuel-     I  did  not  need  to  study  what  appears 
So  broadly  plain  to  every  passer-by. 
Aside.     It  seems  the  more  I  say  the  worse  I  plead. 

Dolores.     But  do  you  ever  stop  to  think  that  I 
May  love  you  not? 

Manuel.  I  think  it  all  the  time. 

Ah,  you  will  never  know  how  I  have  loved! 

Dolores.     I  know  you  have,  you  need  not  tell  me  that. 
So  deep  are  your  affections  then  for  me? 

Manuel     Strong  as  the  strength  of  tidal   waves,  and 

deep 
As  the  unfathomed  sea  from  which  they  rise. 

Dolores.     Were  I  a  man,  no  woman  would  lay  claim 
To  my  affections  so. 

Manuel.  Not  being  one, 

You  cannot  measure  then,  the  attribute. 

Dolores.     Of  man's  affections,  oft  I  've  heard  it  said, 
They  're  not  renowned  for  their  fidelity; — 
So  long  as  woman  will  be  beautiful, 
So  long  will  live  and  love  inconstant  man. 

Manuel     But,  Sefiorita,  I  'm  not  such  a  man. 

Dolores.     Perhaps  you  're  not  the  only  gentleman 
That  thinks  of  me. 

Manuel.  I  thought  that  I  was  right! 

Where  is  my  rival  then,  that  I  may  make 
With  him  a  fighting  opportunity? 
I  'd  leave  him  vanquished  on  contention's  field. 


72  FATHER  JUN1PERO  SERRA. 

Dolores.     Provided  you  are  the  superior. 

Manuel.     I  'd  give  a  thousand  pesos  for  the  chance 
To  see  with  him  who  's  better  in  a  quarrel! 
Who  is  the  man,  and  where  does  he  reside? 

Dolores.     I  'm  not  aware  that  there  is  one — 

Manuel.  O  then 

My  way  is  clear? 

Dolores.  There  may  be  two  or  three. 

Manuel.     Once    more    do   you    destroy   my   fondest 

hopes. 

Yet  why  should  I  withdraw  for  others  here? 
What  is  my  life  that  I  should  try  to  save 
It  for  the  good  of  a  corrupted  state 
To  trade  away  in  service  of  defense, 
So  some  ranchero  man  could  say  to  me 
"The  senorita  is  to  be  my  bride, 
I  'm  sure  you'll  join  in  our  festivities." 
No,  no!  if  I  'm  to  have  my  rivals  then; — 
Why  tell  them  they  must  fight! 

Dolores.  That  must  not  be. 

I  would  not  have  you  go  to  such  extremes, 
Nor  would  I  love  the  victor  of  a  fight. 

Manuel.     I  did  not  think,  a  woman  seldom  does. 
Then  I  will  be  the  worst  whipped  of  the  two! 
So  say  the  word  and  I  will  not  defend 
My  -person  or  my  honor  in  the  least, 
But  meekly  stand  and  let  the  biggest  coward 
Or  braggart  of  the  town,  they  're  both  the  same, 
Exult  in  his  imagined  victory. 

Dolores.     I  do  not  have  among  my  friends  the  kind 
That  you  describe. 


ACT  II.    SCENE  11.  73 

Manuel  O,  pardon  me  again! 

I  really  did  not  mean  it  in  that  light. 
Forgive  me  for  the  errors  that  I  make. 

Dolores.     They  do  increase  at  most  alarming  rate. 
Senor,  I  must  return,  I  will  be  missed. 

Manuel.     Permit  me  to  escort  you  home? 

Dolores.  No,  thanks, 

For  it  is  best  I  go  alone.     Good  night. 

ManueL     Show  me  the  road  or  I  will  lose  the  way. 

Dolores.     Here,  this  one  to  the  right,  I  '11  take  the  left. 

Manuel.     Eduardo  's  here! 

Dolores.  What  shall  we  do? 

speak? 

Manuel.  No. 

I  would  not  have  him  learn  that  we  're  so  near. 

Enter  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.     Aside.     How  like  a  vision  did  the  rosary 
Recall  to  mind  the  cloistered  walk  of  life. 

ManueL     I  'm   fearful    that  my   horse   will   whinney 

now. 
Step  carefully.     Is  this  the  path? 

Dolores.  Yes,  there; 

The  house  is  east  of  us  a  little  way. 

Eduardo.     Aside.     How  many  things  I  seem  to  miss 
in  life. 

Dolores.     I  '11  go  the  other  path.     There  's  Barbara! 
I  have  not  followed  her — she  's  coming  back — 
The  chaparrel  is  thick — we  '11  have  to  stay 
Until  she  finds  I  am  no  longer  here. 
My  path  is  to  the  left,  too  far  away 


74  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

To  reach  without  discovery.     Be  still. 

Eduardo.     Aside.     It  ever  is  the  actor  not  the  line. 
He  who  creates,  commands  approval  most. 

Manuel.     I  hope  that  she  will  not  discover  us. 

Eduardo.     Aside.     O,  how  romantic  love  must  be  to 
some. 

Dolores.     I  was  most  indiscreet  to  stop  to  talk. 
I  wish  I  had  not  stayed. 

Manuel.  I  'm  glad  you  did. 

By  being  indiscreet  I  stole  a  joy: 
Yet  when  invested  with  so  many  charms, — 
A  moonlit  sea,  a  surf,  and  forest  grand; 
An  air  as  balmy  as  the  tropic  night; 
And  then  with  one  whom  Nature  made  so  fair 
That  when  compared  with  her  the  scene  is  poor; 
An  opportunity  as  indiscreet 
I  can  but  hope  will  come  quite  soon  again. 
I  '11  shield  you  from  all  harm,  so  trust  in  me. 

Enter  Dona  Barbara. 

Eduardo.     Aside.     Are  all  men's  lives  so  bordered  by 

a  love? 

Dona  Barbara.     Dolores!  O,  Dolores! 
Eduardo.  Who  is  that? 

Dona  Barbara.     Why,  who  are  you? 
Eduardo.  My  name  's 

Ortega,  who — 
Dona  Barbara.     Eduardo? 

Eduardo.  Yes — O,  Dona  Barbara? 

Dona  Barbara.     Yes,  have  you  seen   Dolores?     She 

was  here. 


ACT  If.    SCENE  II.  75 

We  were  out  walking  and  she  strayed  behind. 

Eduardo.     I  have  not  seen  her  since  devotion  hour. 
I  came  out  for  a  walk  and  just  arrived. 

Dona  Barbara.     Well,  we  were  here  a  little  while  ago. 
No  doubt  she  took  the  shorter  way  for  home. 

Eduardo-     Quite  possible.     Aside-     A  path  I   never 
take. 

Dona  Barbara.     She  must  be  home  by  now. 

Dolores.     Aside  to  Manuel.  I  wish  I  were. 

I  shall  tell  Barbara  of  this. 

Manuel.  Do  not, 

I  beg  of  you,  I  'm  sure  she  'd  take  offence. 

Dolores.     Here  is  an  opening,  I  '11  run  ahead.     Exit. 

Eduardo.     Perhaps  she  walked  along  the  beach. 

Dona  Barbara.  No  doubt. 

Well,  I  will  hurry  back.     Good  night. 

Eduardo.  Good  night. 

Exit  Dona  Barbara. 

Manuel.     Aside.     Here  is  my  time  to  vanish  in    the 
woods.  £xit. 

Eduardo.     Ah,  to  destroy  the  letter  as  I  did 
On  afterthought,  was  wisdom  well  employed! 
No,  I  must  be  the  man  and  to  her  face 
Speak  of  my  love,  and  not  with  craven  pen 
Disclose  the  story  lips  alone  should  tell: 
He  who  's  afraid  to  brave  his  lady  fair 
With  such  a  tale,  is  shadow  to  a  man; 
Unable  to  in  danger  great,  defend 
The  woman  he  professes  to  adore. 
No  more  of  that!     I  '11  now  declare  to  her 


76  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

With  all  the  polish  of  a  cavalier, 

That  I,  one  of  the  great  Ortega  house 

Of  noble  Spain,  intended  for  the  Church; 

Will  on  acceptance  of  his  heart  and  hand, 

Renounce  ambitions  in  that  line  of  work, 

And  lay  at  his  Dolores'  feet,  the  wealth, 

The  strength  of  an  undying  love.     What  's  that! 

Who  's  next  to  make  a  visitation  here? 

Manuel     Without.     Whoa,    Concha.      I    must   know 
more  of  the  roads. 

Enter  Manuel. 

I  wonder  if  he  's  here? 

Eduardo.  Well,  Manuel! 

So  you  have  just  returned? 

Manud.  And  lost  the  trail. 

I  gave  my  horse  the  rein  and  found  myself 
Up  by  an  old  corral,  where  he  was  kept 
Before  I  bought  him  of  the  don.      But  you, 
Once  more  out  walking  and  absorbed  in  thought? 

Eduardo-     O,  yes,  it  has  become  a  fault  with  me. 

Manuel.     A  pleasant  habit  rather  than  a  fault. 

Eduardo.     Yes,  't  is  agreeable.     No  incident 
I  hope  arose  to  mar  your  ride? 

Manuel  Except 

That  I  was  lost,  each  league  had  its  delights, — 
In  fact,  through  those  delights  I  lost  my  way. 

Eduardo.     I  '11  set  you  right. 

Manuel     Aside.  I  only  wish  he  could. 

I  wonder  if  she  's  angry  with  me  for — 

Eduardo.     What  's  this,  a  handkerchief?      Dolores — 


ACT  II.    SCENE  II.  77 

MarmeL  Yes. 

Eduardo.     How  do  you  know? 

Manuel.  I  only  guessed  at  it. 

Is  not  this  place  her  favorite  retreat? 

Eduardo.     It  is.     You  came  with  her  some  time  per- 
haps? 

Manuel.     No,  no,  but  I  have  heard  her  say  it  was. 
Shall  I  return  the  handkerchief? 

Eduardo.  I  will. 

O,  how  about  that  franking  privilege? 
What  does  the  governor  expect  to  do? 

Manuel.     I  really  cannot  say.     I  spoke  of  it, 
On  which  he  smiled  and  would  have  answered  me, 
But  then  an  orderly  called  him  aside 
And  I  forgot  to  mention  it  again. 

Eduardo.     There  is  a  tale  behind  that  cynic's  smile. 

Manuel.     You  are  not  just,  the  governor  means  well. 

Eduardo.     He  is  not  just  to  us. 

Manuel.  He  tries  to  be. 

Eduardo.     Please  do  not  say  a  thing  like    that,    old 
friend. 

Manuel.     These  troubles  we  should  never  talk  about. 

Eduardo.     Yes,  argument  is  sure  to  break  the  peace: 
In  wordy  wars  agreement  seldom  comes; 
The  ends  oft  fail  to  profit  either  side, 
And  only  serve  to  rupture  friendship's  bonds 
Or  sunder  ties  which  better  close  remain. 
No  doubt  you  will  attend  Don  Pedro's  fete? 

Manuel.     Indeed,  I  shall. 

Eduardo.  Dolores  will  be  there? 

Manuel.     Yes,  why? 


78  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Eduardo.  O,  I  was  only  wondering. 

Manuel.      Aside.      Pages   was   right.       To   Eduardo. 

I  must  return,  it  's  late; 
The  governor  is  awaiting  my  report. 
I  wish  you  'd  show  the  way,  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.  .  There, 

Ride  o'er  the  knoll  and  then  turn  to  the  left, 
From  past  the  blasted  pine  the  road  is  straight; 
The  lights  will  be  your  guide.      I  follow  soon. 

Manuel.  All  right,  I  '11  find  the  way.   Good  night.  Exit 

Eduardo.  Good  night. 

My  thoughts  can  need  no  goad  to  wander  there 
Within  adobe  walls,  where  glimmer  lights 
That  throw  a  radiance  around  her  form — 

An.aolian  harp  sounds. 

The  weird  aeolian!  the  wind  is  up; 
I  hear  you,  Harp,  O,  softly  sound  again! 
Ah,  music  kindred  of  devoted  love, 
Speak  unto  those  sweet  sentiments  that  in 
My  ardent  soul  so  struggle  for  response. 
I  know  all  nature  does  not  sleep  at  night 
For  there  are  some  who  seek  repose  in  day 
That  nightly  watches  keep;  so  I  will  watch, 
And  meditate,  and  dream  and  theorize, 
While  you,  O  Harp,  companion,  sing  to  me. 
There,  give  to  me  the  turbulent  caprice, 
The  phantom  that  a  violinist  dreams: 
Was  ever  music  played  and  mastered  so? 
Your  themes  depict  your  versatility. 
If  she  were  only  here  so  I  could  speak, 


AC7  11,    SCENE  II.  79 

The  beauties  of  the  place  would  win  my  cause- 
How  happy  I  will  be  when  hearing   '  Yes,' — 
And  yet  she  knows  it  not.      What  now  appears? 

Enter  Father  Serra,  scourging  himself. 

Father  Serra.     Aside.     Sink  in  this   sinful  frame,  re- 
proving scourge! 

Destroy  the  evil  there;  make  me  more  fair 
In  features  of  the  soul  so  pure,  so  rare; 
That  God  may  look  on  me  and  turn  away 
With  unoffended  eyes. 

Eduardo.     Aside.  His  Reverence! 

Look  on  your  mentor  and  his  saintliness: 
The  contrast  comes  again, — it  's  ever  near. 

Father  Serra.     Whom  do  I  see,  my  sight  is  somewhat 
dim? 

Eduardo.     Your  Reverence,  it  is  Eduardo  here. 

Father  Serra.     What  can  Eduardo  want   so    late    at 
night? 

Eduardo.      I  stole  away  to  meditate. 

Father  Serra.  It  's  well; 

A  thoughtful  mind  alone  would  do  as  that. 
To  mend  the  future  is  to  note  the  past, 
For  we  can  always  find  our  errors  there. 
You  came  to  me  two  years  ago  to-day? 

Eduardo.     Why  so  it  is,  your  Reverence,  to-day. 
San  Carlos'  fourteenth  anniversary. 

Father  Serra.     Two  things  we  should  be  very  thankful 

for. 

Be  faithful  to  your  Church  and  to  your  friends, 
Work  for  humanity;  and  you  '11  be  blest. 


80  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Eduardo.     O,  that,  my  Father,  I  shall  never  be: 
I  am  too  sinful,  humble  and  unknown. 

Father  Serra.     Aside.   So  humble  now;  marked  is  the 
saintly  trait. 

Eduardo.     My  future  's  dark,  my  penetration  's  poor. 

Father  Serra.     Let  not  that  be  your  grim  discourager, 
For  penetration  comes  to  those  who  seek. 
My  son,  heed  what  advice  the  Father  gives. 

Eduardo.     You  speak  to  one  unworthy  of  advice. 

Father  Serra.     We  're  all   unworthy,    son,   and  unto 

you 

One  most  unworthy  speaks;  bear  that  in  mind. 
You  '11  have  dark  ages  in  your  youthful  years; 
I  oft  experienced  that  dismal  state, — 
Those  rayless  and  depressing  periods, — 
Days  when  you  '11  see  no  light  but  what  reflects 
From  your  distorted  views:  but  struggle  on 
And  never  note  the  profit  to  yourself; 
Our  triumphs  are  not  those  that  win  applause, 
So  then  expect  it  not,  and  ask  it  not, — 
When  you  are  dead  if  you  deserved  a  thought 
The  world  accords  you  praise;  and  that  is  right; 
But  recognition  by  your  God  exceeds 
By  far  the  honors  gained  from  fellow-man; 
We  find  in  that  the  true  divinity: 
That  was  Saint  Francis'  rule,  we  '11  follow  him. 

Eduardo.     Ah,  Father,  what  a  comfort  are  your  words ! 
Now  do  I  see  my  future  in  the  light 
Of  understanding  and  of  truth.     Aside.     Pass  on! 
You  agonizing  questions  of  the  hour; 
Away,  Love,  with  your  trivialities! 


ACT  II.    SCENE  II.  81 

I  want  no  more  of  you!     Pass  on,  pass  on! 
Father  Serra.     Yea,  in  your  darkest  moments  let  His 

works 

That  stand  so  visible,  stand  there  to  lead: 
When  you  behold  the  high  Sierra  peaks 
Remember,  as  you  gaze,  they  ever  point 
To  the  abode  of  everlasting  life! 
Grace  from  the  Hand  above,  to  light  the  way; 
Should  be  your  prayer  from  this  eventful  day. 


ACT  III. 

EXTERIOR  VIEW  OF  SAN  CARLOS  MISSION,  THE  CHURCH 
IN  THE  BACKGROUND.     FORENOON,  JUNE   24,  1784. 

Curtain  up  on  Father  Serra  and  a  neophyte  choir. 

Father  Serra.     My  sons,  now  sing  once  more   Saint 

Joseph's  hymn. 

Ignacio,  lead  off;  sing  slower  though. 
Fernando,  let  your  bass  be  heard.     Commence. 
Choir  sing. 

O  let  the  world  in  duty  bow,      • 
This  is  Saint  Joseph 's  day; 
To  him  your  humble  prayers  avow, 

Afflictions  he  will  stay; 
A  sacred  soul  we  kneel  to  now, 
As  Mass  our  Fathers  say. 

Father  Serra.     I  see  you  have  improved  in  singing  this. 
Jacinto  and  Ramon,  the  tenor  's  good. 
Now  for  the  second  verse,  Ignacio. 

Choir  sing. 

For  with  Saint  Joseph  as  a  guide, 

From  sin  we  shall  be  free; 
In  him  assistance  does  abide, 

Our  errors  he  can  see; 
O,  Fathers,  help  us  to  his  side, 

Con/ess  we  should  to  thee. 


ACT  III.  83 

Enter  Father  Noriega. 

Father  Noriega.      Praise  be  to  God. 

Father  Serra.  Amen. 

Fa  ther  Noriega .  How 

well  they  sing. 
Father Serra.     They  do,  indeed.      My  children,  you're 

dismissed. 

Exit  Choir. 

I  'm  anxious  that  the  choir  shall  know  the  hymn 
By  nineteenth  of  July,  when  monthly  Mass 
In  honor  of  Saint  Joseph  shall  be  said. 

Father  Noriega.     You  '11  not  be  disappointed  in  your 
hopes. 

Father  Serra.     If  disappointment  went  no  farther  than 
The  learning  of  a  hymn  I  would  be  glad. — 
Our  California  I  fear  will  not 
Be  fully  under  missionary  rule. 

Father  Noriega.     That  end  no  doubt  will  be  attained. 

Father  Serra.  It  may. 

Still  states  against  the  Church  are  obstinate; 
They  take  advantage  of  our  principles. 

Father  Noriega.     They  know  the  priestly  craft  would 

not  descend 
To  the  low  means  its  enemies  employ. 

Father  Serra.     This  month  my  license  to  confirm  ex- 
pires. 

And  I  no  longer  can  administer 
The  Holy  Sacrament  to  these  poor  souls. 

Father  Noriega.     I  'm  sure  that  a  renewal  will  arrive. 

Father  Serra.   I  fear  't  will  not.  The  propect  's  also  poor 


84  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

For  friars  and  we  are  so  short  of  help; 
And  then  this  domineering  of  a  man 
Whose  exit  from  the  ranks  was  a  mistake, 
Is  suffering  indeed — but  we  must  bear. 
Old  and  infirm,  my  work  is  nearly  done, 
The  evening  of  life  brings  me  despair. 

Father  Noriega.     This  year  has  been  a  most  unhappy 
one. 

Father  Serra.     Alas,    my  friend,  what  have  I   now  tc 

show 
For  all  my  work?     Where  is  the  legacy? 

Last  night  I  found  upon  the  sandy  beach 

An  abalone  shell,  the  sea  had  thrown 

From  off  the  rocks,  the  place  where  it  had  grown. 
That  lustrous  nacre  as  it  lay  to  bleach, 
Gave  me  a  theme  that  I  to  all  could  preach; 

It  was,  '  How  little  are  God's  wonders  known,' 

On  every  side  so  lavish  has  He  sown, 
Yet  on  we  pass  quite  heedless  what 's  in  reach. 
Then  sad  became  my  thoughts  there  on  the  sand, 

While  restless  waves  their  nocturnes  moaned  to  me: 
For  that  bright  pearl  made  by  our  Father's  hand, 

Disclosed  that  I,  of  intellect  so  free, 
Could  at  my  death  leave  not  one  work  so  grand, 

As  was  that  shell  left  stranded  by  the  sea. 

Father  Noriega.     It  is  our  lot  to  be  content  and  work, 
And  in  our  aging  years  with  sorrow  look 
Upon  a  life  in  futile  efforts  spent. 
Here  is  Don  Manuel. 


ACT  III. 
Enter  Manuel. 


85 


Manuel  Good  morning,  Fathers. 

Father  Serra.     I  'm  glad  to  see  you,  son. 


Father  Noriega.  Good  day,  Sefior. 

Manuel.     I  've  brought  a  message  to  your  Reverence. 
Father  Serra.     What  says  the  governor,  not,  'No/  I 

hope? 

Manuel.     It  's  with  regret  I  say  he  has  declined. 
Father  Noriega.     Again,    yes,  once  again!  we    might 

have  known. 


86  PA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Serra.      I've    been    expecting    that;    but    step 

within 
And  tell  me  what  he  said.      I  '11  answer  him.       Exeunt. 

Enter  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.     O,  how  unbearable  is  argument 
When  your  opponent  is  your  wretched  self. 
I  thought  within  the  forest  by  the  sea 
That  well-remembered  moonlit  evening, 
That  henceforth  I  would  labor  for  the  cross; 
In  that  determination  feelings  ruled. 
Shall  I  abjure  intent  of  holy  life?  — 
The  chance  I  lose  in  youth  I  '11  not  regain 
To  be  ordained  a  Father  of  the  Church; 
For  when  our  youth  is  past,  we  lose  those  years 
So  precious  for  the  basis  of  great  works, — 
Then,  to  begin  upon  the  rudiments 
In  middle  life,  is  difficult  to  do, — 
Still,  still,  with  her  I  would  not  wish  a  change. 

Enter  Father  Noriega. 

Father  Noriega.     My  son,  the  governor  received    the 

note? 

Eduardo.     Yes,  Father,  I  delivered  it  to  Juan, 
Who  later  on  reported  it  received. 

Father  Noriega.     He  had  it   then  before   the   captain 

came,— 

Insulting  us  by  disregarding  it.  Exit. 

Eduardo.     The  Fathers  have  their  trials  as  well   as  I. 
O  may  I  judge  with  those  far-reaching  views 


ACT  III.  87 

And  wisdom  that  is  bought  in  man's  estate! 
What,  here  to-day?     I  'd  rather  be  alone. 

Enter  Manuel. 

Eduardo.     How  are  you,  Manuel? 

Manuel.  I  'm  very  well. 

I  hope  you  are  the  same? 

Eduardo-  I  am  quite  well. 

Manuel.     Your  looks  do   not  confirm  the  statement 
though. 

Eduardo.     In  health  I  am  the  same. 

Manuel  But  not  in  mind. 

In  you  I  've  read  a  strange  perplexity. 

Eduardo.     Well,  yes,  I    have  been    worried   some    of 
late. 

Manuel     Forget   the  winter  not,  though  summer  's 
here. 

Eduardo.     What  may  you  mean  by  that,  dear  Manuel? 

Manuel.     From  what   I  've   seen   I    think   you  are   in 
love. 

Eduardo.     In  love! 

Manuel  Exactly  so,  but  it  's  not  strange — 

Eduardo.      I  do  not  know  about  that  now,  it  is: 
You  never  dreamed  I  'd  give  the  passion  thought? 

Manuel.     I  've  had  suspicions  of  the  fact, — it  's  sad. 

Eduardo.     What,  ah  yes,  so  it  is.     Is  all  love  sad? 
Come,  tell  me  what  you  think  about  my  case: 
Is  all  love  fraught  with  thought  and  argument? 
You  've  seen  more  of  society  than  I, 
And  so  must  have  some  knowledge  of  its  charm. 


88  FATHER  JUNIPERQ  SERRA. 

Give  me  advice  and  sympathy, — I  need 
The  latter  most. 

Manuel.  And  so  you  love  her  then. 

Eduardo.     She  's  now  the  inspiration  of  my  life; 
Why,  Manuel,  you  do  not  know  my  love. 

Manuel     Do  you  forget   the   Church    has   been  your 
aim? 

Eduardo.     There,  that  has  been  my  trial  these  many 

months; 

I  dread  to  leave  the  Fathers  and  the  work, 
And  hazard  fortune  in  a  foreign  craft. 
In  fact,  I  have  not  told  his  Reverence, 
I  was  afraid  that  it  would  break  his  heart. 
I  am  in  doubt. 

Manuel.  It  's  well  you  are  in  doubt. 

Eduardo,  I  have  been  your  life-long  friend, 
And  therefore  am  commissioned  by  that  right 
To  show  Eduardo's  follies  to  himself. 
All  youth  must  feel  the  sovereign  power  of  love, 
For  it  's  a  trait  that  will  assertion  make, 
But  heed  it  not  and  it  will  die  away, 
A  thing  forgotten,  just  an  episode, 
Deserving  not  a  memory  or  thought. 

Eduardo-      Forget — forget — and     wounded    as    I    've 

been? 
I  will  forget  when  memory  is  dead. 

Manuel     Bow  not  in  such  humility  to  it; 
It  is  a  fault  to  let  a  passion  rule: 
Beware  or  it  will  master  you. 

Eduardo.  It  has. 

Manuel     And  lead  you  stealthily  to  married  state, 


ACT  III.  89 

An  outcome  you  forever  will  regret. 

Eduardo.     With  her?  that  cannot  be. 

Manuel.  O,  but  it  will. 

This  love  of  yours  seems  strong,  it  is  not  so. 
It  's  but  a  ripple  on  a  surface  calm. 

Eduardo.     The  ripple  is  an  overwhelming  flood. 

Manuel.     Besides  she  would  not  make  for  you — 

Eduardo.  Stop  there. 

For,  Manuel,  she  lacks  deficiencies. 

Manuel.     Well,  that  may  be,  but  you  are  very  wrong; 
For  Nature  has  selected  some  of  us 
To  serve  the  Holy  Apostolic  Church, 
And  of  that  favored  number  you  are  one. 

Eduardo-     I  thought  so  once. 

Manuel  And  you  should  think  so  now. 

Your  early  plans  and  thoughts  kept  company 
With  all  that  's  grand  and  solemn  in  this  life: 
How  often  have  you  spoken  of  the  time 
When  through  the  vaulted  nave  with  aspergill, 
You  'd  walk  to  bless  the  congregation  there: 
Or  in  the  many  altar  rites  your  hand 
Would  draw  from  the  ampulla's  sacred  store 
The  unction  of  a  soul.      How  often  have 
You  hoped  to  rear  in  still  more  distant  wilds, 
Such  sanctuaries  as  were  builded  here: 
And  yet  these  and  the  thousand  other  ways 
In  which  a  priest  can  be  of  lasting  good; — 
You  'd  disregard  for  frail  affection's  tie. 

Eduardo-     Perhaps    I  have    been    wrong, — perhaps  I 

have. 
Manuel     Why  think  of  it,  Eduardo,  think  of  it. 


90  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Had  you  not  better  be  a  saintly  priest 

And  walk  a  road  of  thorns  in  sanctity, 

Than  live  the  rich  ranchero's  life  of  ease? 

I  judge  that  's  the  employment  you  would  choose; 

And  when  that  life  nears  end  you  '11  have  to  say, 

"I  've  saved  no  souls,  I  've  not  advanced  the  Church, 

I  have  not  preached  the  way  my  kind  should  die, 

No,  but  I  have  accumulated  wealth, 

And  on  that  profit  rests  a  wasted  life." 

Ah,  Miserere  then  will  be  your  psalm! 

Te  Deum  to  your  life  you  cannot  sing. 

Eduardo.     You  're  right,    you  're  right,  you  're  right. 

Manuel.  Let  me  recall 

A  former  pictured  future  to  your  mind. 

Eduardo.     No,  it  is  needless,  for  I  see  it  now. 

Manuel.     Then  you  are   growing  wise.     Beware  the 

bond, 

Or  life  will  be  to  you  a  field  of  tares. 
Besides  the  greatest  folly  of  it  all 
To  try  and  win  an  unresponsive  love. 

Eduardo.     ''An  unresponsive  love!"  why  call  it  that? 

Manuel.     Because  another  has  her  heart. 

Eduardo.  What  's  that! 

You  mean  to  say  she  loves  another  man? 

Manuel     You  speak  as  though  you  had  no  argument; 
My  good  advice  is  thrown  away. 

Eduardo.  O  no, 

I  do  appreciate  what  you  advise; 
But  as  I  said,  you  do  not  know  my  love; — 
It  's  no  mirage  to  fade  when  questioned  close 
But  I  would  like  to  know  who  is  the  man. 


ACT///.  91 

Manuel.     You  did  not  talk  like  this  when   I  returned. 

Eduardo.     I  've  learned  since  then. 

Manuel.  And  you  have  yet  to  learn 

You  since  learned  little. 

Eduardo.  Who's  the  man  she  loves? 

Manuel.     I  do  not  like  to  tell  you  that. 

Eduardo.  Come,  come! 

I  will  not  have  a  rival  in  the  town! 
I  shall  engage  myself  this  very  eve. 

Manuel.     Aside-     I  went  too  far.      Now  for  the  trag- 
edy. 

Eduardo.    Why  do  you  hesitate?     Speak  out!     Speak 
out! 

Manuel.     I  'm  the  one. 

Eduardo.  Manuel.      It  's  you  she  loves? 

This  is  too  much!  this  is  too  much  to  bear! 
Some  other  one,  and  I  'd  have  fought  for  her; 
But  you,  against  you  I  shall  not  rebel;— 
You  've  been  to  me  too  honestly  a  friend. 
But  are  you  sure  she  is  in  love  with  you? 

Manuel.     It  's  very  plain. 

Eduardo.  Where  is  the  evidence, 

Dear  Manuel?     I  must  be  very  blind; 
I  really  have  not  seen  or  heard  a  thing: 
She  's  sure  to  tell  me  anything  like  that. 
It  could  not  be  that  you  are  wrong  in  this? 

Manuel.     Quite  unabashed  you    seem   to   doubt   my 

word: 
I  told  you  that  she  loved  me,  that  's  enough. 

Eduardo.      It    should   have    been,    that    was    unkind 
of  me; — 


92  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

I  did  not  doubt  you,  though.     I  'm  sick  at  heart, 
But  I  'm  surprised  she  did  not  tell  me  this: 
I  '11  ask  her  why. 

Manuel  Do  nothing  of  the  kind! 

So  take  my  word  and  let  the  matter  drop. 

Eduardo.     Why,  Manuel!  why  do  you  talk  like   tint? 

Manuel.     Because  I  do  not  care  to  have  it  known. 

Eduardo.      Must  then  Don  Pablo  or  his  family 
Know  nothing  of  this  love?     That  is  not  right; 
You  've  given  me  advice,  let  me  advise; — 
Inform  her  father  of  your  happiness, 
It  looks  suspicious  keeping  such  a  fact. 

Manuel.  Suspicious!  how?     It  's  nothing  of  the  kind! 

Eduardo.     Aside.      It   does   not   seem   that   she   has 
gone  from  me.  To  Manuel. 

But  it  will  soon  be  known  by  accident, 
Then  what  diversion  would  the  gossips  have. 

Manuel.     I  wish  you   'd  please  attend  to  your  affairs, 
And  not  concern  yourself— 

Eduardo.  No,  I  will  not! 

If  she  accepted  you,  it  's  my  affair 
To  the  extent  of  seeing  it  disclosed; 
I  '11  tell  Don  Pablo  ere  the  day  is  o'er, 
And  also  ask  her  why  she  told  me  not. 
No  stain  shall  ever  rest  upon  her  name 
While  I  'm  her  friend! 

Manuel.  Eduardo,  you  're  a  fool! 

You  've  dreamed  so  long  you  are  not  practical. 
Aside.     I  've  but  myself  to  blame  for  all  of  this; 
As  yet  from  her  there  's  no  encouragement. 
To  have  her  know  I  published  such  a  thing 


ACT  III.  93 

Would  on  the  hearing  warrant  my  disgrace. 
Retreat? — no!     Brave  it  out  and  see  Pages. 

Eduardo.    Aside.   No  evidence — her  failure  to  remark — 
He  is  impulsive  though  and  may  be  wrong — 
The  worst  of  all  to  try  and  hide  the  fact — 
Such  a  solicitude — to  speak  so  sharp — 
No  heart  for  one  who  suffered  such  a  stroke — 
That  spirit  's  born  not  of  true  fellowship. 
To  Manuel     Aha!     I  see!     The  light  begins  to  break! 
I  did  not  think  my  friend  would  treat  me  so: 
Why,  what  a  bare-faced  scheme. 

Manuel.  You  do  imply — 

Eduardo.     That  you  have  lied  to  me. 

Manuel     What!  Draws  sword.     No.     Sheaths  sword. 

Eduardo.  Strike!  strike! 

It  will  avail,  because  when  I  am  dead 
You  will  be  free  to  push  your  cause  along, 
And  try  to  win  the  love  of  her  who  now 
Has  not  for  you  the  shadow  of  regard! 
Forget  the  winter!  no,  indeed,  I  '11  not! 
You  are  the  bitter  winter  of  my  love, 
The  frost  that  comes  to  blight  my  fondest  hopes, 
The  warming  rays  of  sympathy  you  've  not: 
Go  on  your  way,  ally,  you  brought  regrets. 
As  I  said  once  to  Love,  away,  away! 
I  say  to  you,   begone,  you  treacherous 
Dsceiving  prop  of  State's  iniquity! 
I  want  no  interference  from  you  here! 
And  mark  you  this,  you  '11  go! — though  love  did  not. 

Manuel     Stop  this  tirade,  sir,  stop! 

Eduardo.  WThy  should  I  cease? 


94  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

O,  Friendship,  what  a  champion  you  have 
In  Captain  Alvarez,  a  servant  high 
In  the  opinion  of  the  governor, 
The  friars'  friend  in  California. 

Enter  Father  Serra. 

Oppose  me!     Yes,  I  am  just  the  one  to  let 
You  do  a  thing  like  that!     I  '11  end  you  no*w! 

Rushes  at  him. 

Father  Serra.     My  son,   my  son!     What   means  this 

sinful  act? 

Do  you  forget  the  sacred  lessons  taught? 
Are  they  in  merit  quite  so  poor  as  this? 
I  knew  you  both  to  be  the  closest  friends, 
I  do  not  wish  to  see  you  enemies. 

Manuel     But  I  'm  afraid,  no  longer  friend  of  mine — 
I  wrong  him  though,  he  's  not  himself  to-day. 
If  you  have  written,  Father,  I  '11  return; 
Don  Pedro  ordered  me  to  hasten  back. 

Father  Serra.     Go,   hoping   that  these   troubles  will 

amend. 
Here  is  my  answer  to  the  governor.    Hands  him  a  letter. 

Exit  Manuel. 

Eduardo.     An  enemy,  a  man  of  artifice. 

Father  Serra.    I  'm  pained  to  hear  that,  son;  what  did 

he  do? 
Eduardo.      He  interfered  with  things  he   should  not 

know, 

And  then  to  crown  it  all  he  lied  to  me; 
It  angered  me  to  think  that  he,  my  friend, 


ACT  III.  96 

Should  act  the  part  of  a  conspirator, 
And  in  the  transports  of  a  sudden  rage 
I  almost  felt  his  life  belonged  to  me. 

Father  Serra.    O  God,  forgive  your  sinful  soul.  Go  on. 

Eduardo.     O    Father,    note    the    errors    that    I    've 

made, 

I  can  no  longer  stand  uncertainty— 
I  cannot  serve  my  God; — I  am  too  weak — 
Absolve  me,  Father,  from  the  hopes  you  've  held, 
For  I  have  dared  or  rather  had  to  love. 

Father  Serra.    Then  you  serve  God,  my  child.    Come, 

tell  to  me 

The  story  of  this  new  awakening, 
That  has  occasioned  you  such  loss  of  peace. 
Remember,  that  confession  comfort  brings, 
There  is  no  rest  so  sweet  to  troubled  minds, 
Than  knowing  that  the  Father  knows  your  trials 
And  can  advise  in  sympathy  with  you. 

Eduardo.     Kind  sympathy,  what  strangers  we  have 
been.  Exeunt. 

Enter  Father  Noriega,  Don  Pablo,  and  Dona  Babara. 

Father  Noriega.     His  Reverence  is  feeling  better  now; 
But  then,  SefLora,  I  am  glad  you  came, 
For  he  would  like  to  have  you  make  some  more 
Of  that  herb  tea,  it  greatly  strengthens  him. 

Dona  Barbara.     I  'm  pleased  to  hear  it  was  a  benefit. 

Enter  Dona  Dolores  and  Ignacio. 
Father  Noriega,     Did  you  enjoy  the  ride,  my  child? 


96  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA 

Dolores.  So  much, 

My  Father,  and  of  late  I  ride  alone. 

Father  Noriega.     It  is  good  exercise;  but  do  riot  go 
Too  far  away  from  home,  the  country  's  wild. 

Dolores.     O  no,  I  'm  very  careful  in  my  rides. 

Dona  Barbara.     I  '11  go  and  make  the  tea,   your  Rev- 
erence. 

Dolores.     And  I  will  go  and  help  you,  Barbara, 

Father  Noriega.      You  better  have   Ramon  get  you 

some  herbs, 
I  do  not  think  we  have  enough  in  store. 

Exeunt  Donas  Dolores  and  Barbara. 

Father  Noriega.'  You  have  a  very  pleasant  home, 

Senqr. 

Don  Pablo.     My  daughter  is  the  comfort  of  my  life, 
And  in  her  cousin  Barbara  she  has 
A  kind  companion  .in  her  youthful  trials. 

Father  Noriega.     How  sacred  is  .a  happy  Christian 

home. 

Don  Pablo.     The    Church   and   home   have   close  re- 
lationship. 

Ignacio  brought  word  the  president 
Was  anxious  to  confer  with  me. 

Father  Noriega.  He  is; 

Inform  the  Father  that  Don  Pablo  's  here. 

Exit  Ignacio. 

Don  Pablo.     Ignacio  is  quite  intelligent. 
Father  Noriega.     Yes,  he  has  studied  now  for  seven 
years. 


ACT  III.  97 

My  duties  call,  Senor,  I  '11  leave  you  now; 

His  Reverence  will  be  at  leisure  soon.  Exit. 

Enter  Dona  Barbara- 
Dona  Barbara.     Ramon  had  not  enough  of  herbs  for 

me; 
He  went  to  gather  some. 

Don  Pablo.  Now,  Barbara — 

There  's  something  that  I  wish  to  speak  about. 
You  know,  we  '11  not  return  to  Spain  and  so 
No  doubt  Dolores  will  be  married  here, 
And  there  's  a  point  on  which  I  've  been  disturbed: 
Who  is  the  man  that  's  suitable  for  her? 
Your  care  has  been  a  watchful  one? 

Dona  Barbara.  It  has. 

Don  Pablo.     Because   you   know   that   ardent   youth 

forget 

That  wisdom  should  have  weight  in  love  affairs; 
From  negligence  grave  indiscretions  spring; 
Keep  note  of  those  that  pay  her  their  respects; 
Her  husband  must  be  of  a  noble  line. 

Dona  Barbara.     I  keep  informed,  and    then  she  tells 

me  all. 

Our  family  so  ancient  and  so  fair 
Was  ne'er  by  misalliance  marred,  and  now, 
We  '11  not  record  beginning  of  the  taint 
While  I  may  live  to  watch  affinities. 

Don  Pablo.     And  all  formalities  must  be  observed. 

Dona  Barbara.     I  favor  no  romance  when  out  of  form. 

Don  Pablo.     You  're  true  I   see  to  Spanish  pride  of 
birth, 


98  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

As  you  are  to  the  ceremonials. 

Reports  are  good  of  Captain  Alvarez, 

Somewhat  ambitious  and  not  rich,  but  still 

He  has  the  qualities  that  riches  need 

To  make  them  well  appear.     What  other  ones? 

Dona  Barbara.     Besides  the  captain  there  's  the  brave 

Miguel, 

Who  saved  his  friend  Alfe"rez  Sal  from  death; 
An  Alvarado,  they  're  of  noble  blood. 

Don  Pablo.     I  know  of  him,  he  is  approved.     Who 
else? 

Dona  'Barbara.      Juan   Castro  's   next,    the   Mission 

corporal. 

His  father  's  a  grandee  of  highest  rank 
And  lives  in  Salamanca,  I  believe; 
Juan  cast  aside  his  parents'  proffered  help 
And  ventured  for  his  fortune  in  the  west. 

Don  Pablo.     Accepted.     Whom  does  she  admire  the 

most? 
Or  are  there  any  more? 

Dona  Barbara.  Of  course  there  are, 

She  's  loved  by  every  one  in  Monterey; 
Her  fame  for  beauty  like  so  many  here 
Has  traveled  down  the  coast  to  Mexico, 
And  many  nobles  of  the  capital 
Have  chosen  wives  in  California. 

Don  Pablo.     Quite  right. 

Dona  Barbara.  But  every  one  must  take 

her  smiles 

And  gracious  favors  share  and  share  alike. 
Her  distribution  's  marked  by  equity, 


ACT  III.  99 

And  none  can  say — "  I  am  the  favored  one;  " 
They  strive  to  gain  more  ground  in  her  regard, 
Still  all  are  baffled  in  their  best  attempts; 
I  never  saw  young  men  so  held  aloof; 
She  is  a  master  in  that  modest  art. 
Don  Pablo.    The  time  will  come  when  she  will  make  a 
choice.  Exeunt. 

Enter  Father  Serra  and  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.     I  can  partake  of  the  Communion  now. 
It  does  not  seem  the  chalice  could  contain 
A  blessing  for  my  constant  sinning  soul. 
Ah,  Father,  how  can  you  forgive  my  sins? 

Father  Serra.     He  's  yet  to  unforgive  those  that  have 

erred, 

Who  in  their  hearts  are  sorry  for  their  faults. 
Eduardo.     I    know,    my    Father,    it    is   your   great 

wish 

For  me  to  study  and  become  a  priest, 
And  to  that  end  I  have  been  most  inclined — 
Till  Love,  disturbing  element,  arose. 

Father  Serra.       It   may   be   that  and   nothing   more 

than  that, 

Again  it  may  point  out  your  course  in  life, 
To  marry  and  become  a  settler  here. 

Eduardo.     You  will  decide  for  me,  your  Reverence? 
Father  Serra.     Not  I,  my  son,  that  must  remain  with 

you. 
Eduardo.     It  's  reason's  will  and  passion's  strength  at 

odds, 
They  represent  a  duty  and  a  love: 


100  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

I  Ve  read  the  lives  of  martyrs  for  the  Faith, 
I  'd  like  to  die  as  died  those  stainless  ones. 

Father  Serra.     How  oft  I  've  wished  that  theirs  would 

be  my  fate; 
They  spread  the  light — they  spread  the  light  afar. 

Eduardo.     Opponent  to    this    stands    the    layman's 

life; 

She  is  my  fate,   for  her  I  'd  gladly  die; 
I  see  myself  a  rich  and  happy  don 
And  doing  good  to  all  within  my  reach — 
My  heart  would  be  as  kind  as  any  priest's. 

Father    Serra.       Your    mind    is    of     the     analyzing 

kind, 

Not  every  one  can  concentrate  his  thoughts 
As  you  have  done — a  splendid  faculty; 
Then  the  enthusiasm  you  possess 
Will  be  in  churchly  work  a  priceless  gift; 
Therefore  I  counsel  you,  take  time  and  think; 
You  have  not  told  Dolores  of  your  love, 
Do  not  until  you  're  sure  that  course  is  best; 
When  you  have  settled  on  a  choice,  remain. 
Again,  as  Manuel  has  said,  she  may 
Not  love  you  as  you  seem  so  sure  she  does; 
Now  if  she  does  and  you  decide  to  stay 
One  of  the  laity,  I  shall  assist 
You  all  I  can,  and  always  be  your  friend; 
I  '11  see  that  you  are  well  supplied  with  land; 
But  if  you  wish  to  study  for  the  Church, 
In  San  Fernando  I  will  have  you  placed 
The  coming  year,  if  I  should  live  so  long, 
If  not,  the  Fathers  here  will  do  for  you. 


ACT  II T.  101 

Enter  Ignado. 

Ignado,      Don  Pablo  has    arrived,   your   Reverence. 
Father  Serra.     Ah,   yes,   I  would   be  pleased   to  see 
him  here.  Exit  Ignado >. 

Eduardo.     My  Father,  I  '11  abide  by  your  advice. 
I  thank  you  for  your  offers  and  your  words. 

Exit  Eduardo. 

Father  Serra.     So  youth  to  manhood  takes  its  stormy 

way, 
I  had  my  trials,  too, — and  they  were  deep. 

Enter  Don  Pablo. 

Don  Pablo.     Good  morning,  Father. 

Father  Serra.  I  am  pleased  to  see  you,  Senor.  I  wish 
to  talk  with  you  about  a  rumor  I  have  heard — that  cer- 
tain fugitive  neophytes  are  in  your  employ;  I  do  not 
think  you  know  they  are  converted  Indians,  and  that 
the  rules  forbid  their  working  for  other  than  Mission  in- 
terests. 

Don  Pablo.  I  was  in  need  of  herders  and  some  new 
ones  were  sent  from  Monterey,  but  I  did  not  know  that 
they  were  neophytes. 

Father  Serra.     Who  sent  them,  Senor? 

Don  Pablo.     Governor  Fages. 

Father  Serra.     As  I  supposed. 

Don  Pablo-      It  could  not  be  he  knew  they  were — 

Father  Serra.  He  knew  it.  He  sends  soldiers  to 
bring  back  the  runaways  that  through  the  influence  of 
their  wilder  brothers  have  been  induced 


102  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Mission.  Don  Pedro  forces  them  to  labor  at  the  Pres- 
idio, getting  their  labor  free  of  cost.  We  complained 
of  this  months  ago. 

Don  Pablo.     Is  it  possible! 

Enter  Father  Noriega. 

Father  Serra.  Senor  Valencia  knows  nothing  of  this, 
as  we  thought. 

Father  Noriega.  Such  acts  are  becoming  every  day 
occurrences. 

Don  Pablo.  Don  Pedro  must  have  known  that  it 
would  be  discovered. 

Father  Serra.     Did  you  request  him  for  more  help? 

Don  Pablo.  I  merely  made  mention  of  my  needs,  and 
a  few  days  later  he  sent  the  Indians  with  a  note,  saying 
I  was  free  to  use  their  services;  but  I  shall  return  them 
to  San  Carlos  this  afternoon. 

Father  Noriega.     How  many  were  there? 

Don  Pablo.  Ten  in  all;  the  governor  sent  more  than 
I  needed,  but  I  suppose  he  thought  as  soon  as  I  should 
receive  the  new  addition,  their  assistance  would  be  ac- 
ceptable. 

Father  Serra.     You  expect  another  grant? 

Don  Pablo.  Yes,  it  is  the  finest  land  in  this  vicinity; 
I  petitioned  the  viceroy  for  it  and  the  governor  recom- 
mended the  granting  of  the  property. 

Father  Noriega.     May  I  ask  where  it  is  located? 

Don  Pablo.  It  lies  just  east  of  us,  running  two  leagues 
back  and  almost  equal  length  from  north  to  south;  it  is 
where  the  old  rancheria  stands;  the  tract  is  well  wooded 
in  parts  with  the  manzanita  and  madrone. 


ACT  III.  103 

Father  Serra.  What  new  misfortune  has  happened 
to  us  now! 

Father  Noriega.  Who  would  have  thought  that  he 
had  gone  to  such  extremes! 

Father  Serra.     O  what  rascality! 

Father  Noriega.     Infamous!     It  is  infamous! 

Don  Pablo.     Why,  Fathers,  what  has  happened? 

Father  Noriega.     Again  you  are  deceived. 

Father  Serra.  How  nefarious  are  the  movements  of 
this  man. 

Father  Noriega.     Fit  subject  for  an  anathema! 

Father  Serra.     I  '11  notify  the  viceroy  at  once! 

Father  Noriega.     Do  so  by  special  courier! 

Father  Serra.  Why,  Don  Pablo,  are  you  a  partner 
to  this? 

Don  Pablo.  I  am  at  a  loss  to  understand  your  Rev- 
erence. 

Father  Serra.     This  plot  to  steal  the  Mission  lands. 

Don  Pablo.  What!  Mission  lands!  Steal  Mission 
property? 

Father  Noriega.     You  have  it  now. 

Don  Pablo.     Does  this  land  belong  to  the  Church? 

Father  Noriega.     Certainly  it  does. 

Father  Serra.     I  must  see  the  governor  immediately. 

Don  Pablo.  I  understood  it  was  unclaimed.  He 
made  no  mention  of  it  being  Mission  land. 

Father  Noriega.  The  land  is  ours,  or  rather  held  in 
trust  by  us  according  to  the  original  Mission  grants. 

Don  Pablo.      Perhaps  he  does  not  know  this. 

Father  Serra.     Of  course  he  does.     If  the  land   was 


104  FATHER  3VNIPERO  SERRA. 

title  free,  why  did  he  recommend  the  viceroy  to  make 
the  grant?  He,  as  the  governor,  is  empowered  to  con- 
vey lands  to  settlers. 

Father  Noriega.  He  was  afraid  to  take  the  responsi- 
bility. 

Don  Pablo.  Fathers,  I  am  astounded  at  these  revela- 
tions. 

Father  Serra.  Only  yesterday  afternoon  I  sent  a 
message  to  the  governor  requesting  him  to  deliver  us 
some  agricultural  implements  held  in  storage  at  Monte- 
rey, and  later  I  forwarded  a  note,  making  inquiry  about 
the  neophytes  we  were  just  speaking  of;  Captain  Al- 
varez brought  reply  that  the  governor  would  not  de- 
liver the  tools  and  he  did  not  state  his  reasons  why:  we 
have  done  a  little  work  at  cultivation  the  past  few 
months,  but  it  's  trifling  considering  the  extent  of  prop- 
erty that  should  be  made  to  yield  the  Indians  the  living 
that 's  required:  I  can  now  understand  why  he  held 
them  back,  having  this  grant  in  view. 

Father  Noriega.  As  to  the  note  about  the  neophytes, 
he  paid  no  attention  to  it. 

Don  Pablo.     Well,  well. 

Father  Noriega.  How  long  ago  did  you  make  appli- 
cation? 

Don  Pablo.     Three  months,  yes,  over  that. 

Father  Serra.     Too  late. 

Father  Noriega.  This  is  scandalous!  See  him  and 
openly  charge  him  with  this  villainy! 

Father  Serra.  His  intentions  are  to  place  within  the 
hands  of  settlers  all  land  he  can  possibly  seize  in  the 
vicinity  of  this  and  the  other  Missions,  thereby  pre- 


ACT  in.  105 

venting  extension  of  Church  interests,  then  seculariza- 
tion will  follow. 

Don  Pablo.     I  do  not  wonder  at  your  feelings. 

Father  Serra.  If  the  answer  to  our  petition  would 
only  arrive,  it  might  contain  some  encouragement  to 
continue  the  fight  with  this  unrighteous  man.  Is  month 
to  succeed  month  and  no  relief,  no  justice  for  the  Cali- 
fornias? 

Don  Pablo-  Then  you  await  some  movement  in  the 
south? 

Father  Serra.     Yes,  we  had  to  make  complaints. 

Father  Noriega.  Proceedings  hostile  to  our  policy; 
but  it  is  either  appeal  or  refrain  and  see  conversion 
stop  and  the  Missions  retrograde:  but  though  we  write, 
much  is  referred  to  the  Audiencia,  which  is  very  slow 
in  its  decisions. 

Father  Serra.  He  takes  advantage  of  the  fact.  He 
will  yet  pay  the  penalty  of  treason  to  the  frontier 
church,  and  when  he  falls,  will  fall  his  followers. 

Father  Noriega.  In  plots,  the  more  involved  the  more 
is  solved. 

Don  Pablo.     Is  he  not  a  good  Catholic? 

Father  Serra.     Only  as  far  as  the  outward  observances. 

Father  Noriega.  Why,  Pedro  Pages  and  Philip  de 
Neve  have  gone  so  far  as  to  influence  Bishop  Reyes  to 
announce  his  intention  of  forming  the  Missions  into  a 
custody,  to  be  called  "San  Gabriel  de  California." 

Father  Serra.  Which  will  be  another  step  nearer 
secularization;  as  it  is  they  succeeded  in  having  a  new 
reglamento  passed  that  will  greatly  injure  us. 

Father  Noriega.     The    custody    principle  is   now    in 


106  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

force  in  Sonora,  and  has  been  so  far  most  destructive 
to  Mission  property.  Pages  takes  such  quiet  means  to 
accomplish  his  aims. 

Father  Serra.  And  that  is  why  we  suffer  so.  He  as- 
sumes an  enemy's  most  dreaded  form,  the  part  of  the 
genial  hypocrite,  except  when  he  becomes  angry  and 
forgets  himself.  He  wins  your  friendship  and  one  not 
knowing  him  confides,  and  all  the  time  he  is  consider- 
ing your  vulnerable  points,  and  thus  he  molds  his  vil- 
lainies in  the  sunshine  of  these  advantages.  Of  all  vil- 
lains in  the  catalogue  he  is  the  blackest  knave  who  aims 
to  crush  the  rule  of  Christian  Faith,  for  when  the  Church 
is  swept  away,  then  falls  the  fabric  of  society,  supersti- 
tion rules  and  back  to  barbarism  tends  the  age. 

Don  Pablo-      It  would.   We  should  beware  such  men. 

Father  Noriega.     Beware  the  governor! 

Don  Pablo.  Fathers,  I  will  think  this  over,  and  learn 
the  best  course  to  pursue;  and  I  ask  of  you  to  say  nothing 
but  calmly  await  developments. 

Father  Serra.  That  is  difficult  to  do,  but  you  may 
govern  us.  We  are  convinced  you  are  a  friend  of  the 
Church,  and  it  is  best  that  you  fully  understand  the  pol- 
icy of  the  Mission  system.  Step  within,  and  Father 
Noriega  will  show  you  documents  relating  to  the  Mis- 
sion rights  and  privileges. 

Don  Pablo.  I  should  like  to  know  these  issues  better 
than  I  do.  Exeunt. 

Enter  Eduardo  and  Ignacio. 

Eduardo.     You  say  you  saw  Dolores. 
Ignacio.  Yes,  I  left 

Her  with  Senora  Barbara. 


ACT  III.  .    107 

Eduardo.  She  here? 

Ignacio.     Yes,  and  Don  Pablo. 

Eduardo.  He  is  here?     What  for? 

Ignacio.     I  think  it  is  about  the  neophytes. 

Eduardo-     I  've  been  in  the  chaotic  world  so  long 
I  quite  forgot  the  issues  of  the  day. 

Ignacio.     The  senorita  asked  for  you. 

Eduardo.  She  did! 

That  's  kind  in  her.      How  much  I  wish  that  we 
Had  never  met. 

Ignacio.  Did  Don  Eduardo  speak? 

Eduardo.     Just  a  reflection  that,  so  note  it  not. 
Why  am  I  blaming  her?  that  is  not  just. 
Be  cautious  now,  you  're  in  a  state  of  grace: 
It  's  not  her  fault  that  she  is  beautiful. 
She  asked  about,  or  wished  to  see  me,  which, 
Ignacio? 

Ignacio.     To  see  you,  that  was  all. 

Eduardo.     I  once  did  think  I  was  a  man  of  will, 
Now  what  a  most  deceiving  thought.     But  then 
A  stoic  could  not  face  these  shadows  long, 
His  character  would  need  another  name. 
It  stops  at  this.     The  Father  's  calling  you. 

Exit  Ignacio. 

The  president's  advice  was  very  sound, — 

I  ought  to  know  my  way,  of  course  I  do, 

I  love  her,  and  I  cannot  kill  the  fact: 

How  sweet  she  looked  the  other  afternoon. 

I  '11  speak  to  her  -I  '11  speak— I  shall— I  shall! 


108  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Enter  Dolores. 

Dolores.     Aside.     Absorbed  in  contemplation   as  his 

wont.      To  Eduardo. 
Eduardo. 

Eduardo.     Ah,  Dolores,  I  am  glad, — 
I  'm  very  glad  you  're  here. 

Dolores.  You  are  not  well. 

You  're  overworked,  you  should  not  study  so. 

Eduardo.     Yes,     you    are   right,   I    should  not  study 
so. 

Dolores.     What  is  the  subject  you  are  studying? 

Eduardo.     My  study,  I  have  longed  to  tell  you  that; 
It  is,  Dolores,  that  which  you  should  know — 
That  is — I  started  once  before  to  tell — 
I— I — well,  I  do  not  know  how  to  start — 
The  subject,  I  have  read,  has  always  lacked 
An  adequate  description;  it  's  a  theme 
Classed  with  the  psychological — it  's  grave — 
And  very  few  propose  its  lines  aright. 
I  think — I  will  describe  it  later  on, 
Wben  I  have  manufactured  phrases  fit 
To  dress  description  in  the  proper  light: 
You  ask  narration  when  I  'm  least  prepared. 

Dolores.     The  subject  must  be  deep. 

Eduardo.  Yes,  very  deep, 

Too  deep  for  me  to  fully  comprehend. 

Dolores.     Do  promise  me  to  study  it  no  more; 
This  contemplation  makes  you  pale  and  sad. 

Eduardo.     It  is  a  wearing  theme,  and  I  'm  advised 
To  give  the  subject  up;  it  's  good  advice. 


ACT  II L  109 

Yes,  leave  such  hidden  things  to  older  minds, 
Age  and  philosophy  do  well  combine. 

Eduardo.     But  I  can  hardly  think  a  sage  engrossed 
On  such  a  youthful  theme.      It  interests 
The  more  in  early  life,  one  finds  it  hard 
To  cast  the  thoughts  aside,  yes,  very  hard. 

Enter  Father  Serra  and  Don  Pablo. 

Father  Serra.     I  wish  you  would  not  hasten  to  depart. 

Don  Pablo.     I    must,    your    Reverence,     for    pressing 

things 

Demand  my  quick  return.     The  neophytes 
Is  one  of  them,  that  needs  a  remedy. 

Father  Serra.     I  'm  glad  to  see  you  are  intent  on  that. 

Don  Pablo.    Yes,  Father.   Come,  Dolores,  we  must  go. 
Eduardo  's  well,  I  hope?     Come  visit  us. 
Good  bye.     Where  's  Barbara?     Ah,  there  she  is. 

Dolores.     Now  do,  Eduardo,  come  and   see  us    soon. 

Eduardo.     Thank  you,  Dolores,  I  '11  come.     A  Dios. 

Exeunt  all  but  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.     Another  declaration  fallen  flat. 
It  must  be  some  high  power  is  guiding  me, — 
That  unforeseen  great  destiny  of  man, — 
Or  else  the  mind  's  embarrassed  by  the  show 
Of  circumstance,  and  fails  to  make  the  point. 
If  she  were  swayed  for  me  as  I  for  her, 
Then  what  a  hopeless  wreck  she  would  become. 
I  will  not  try  again,  so  fare  you  well, 
My  dearest  friend,  until  I  know  my  way: 


110 


FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 


Yet  if  I  tell  her  of  my  longing  love, 

Suppose  she  scorns  my  humble  offering 

The  Padre  said  that  she  might  not  return 
The  deep  affection  that  I  feel  for  her,— 
The  thought  is  fearful  when  I  think  of  it- 
It  's  maddening!     I  could  not  stand  the  shock! 
T  would  kill  me,  Father,  it  would  kill  me! 

Bells  ring  for  Angelus. 


ACT  IV. 

SCENE  I.    .EXTERIOR  OF   THE   OFFICIAL   DEPARTMENT 
AT  SAN  CARLOS,  AFTERNOON.     JULY  14,  1784. 

Enter  Father  Noriega,  Gov.  Pages,  Manuel  and  Ignacio. 

Gov.  Pages.     I  should  like  to  see  the  president. 

Father  Noriega.     He  is  engaged. 

Gov.  Pages.  I  notified  Don  Pablo  to  meet  me  here, 
has  he  arrived? 

Father  Noriega.  I  do  not  know.  Have  you  seen 
him? 

Ignacio.     No,  Father. 

Manuel.     A  vessel  came  to  port  last  night. 

Father  Noriega.  Indeed!  A  holiday  for  Monterey. 
Was  there  mail  for  us? 

Manuel.     Yes,  it  will  be  over  soon. 

Father  Noriega.  Notify  the  president  the  governor  is 
here,  and  that  a  vessel  has  arrived. 

Exit  Ignacio. 

Gov.  Pages.     Is  he  sick? 

Father  Noriega.  He  's  always  ill,  but  ever  is  at  work. 
He  's  with  his  secretary  now. 

Gov.  Pages.  Drafting  complaints  about  the  mean- 
ness of  the  State?  It  's  his  regular  occupation. 


112  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Noriega.     How  unjust  you  are. 

Gov.  Pages.  Well,  we  will  let  that  rest.  Who  rode 
up? 

Manuel.  The  ladies,  I  am  sure.  I  '11  go  and  meet 
them.  Exit. 

Gov.  Pages.  Yes,  there  is  Don  Pablo.  I  will  join 
him.  .  Exit. 

Father  Noriega.  What  insolence  in  misplaced  author- 
ity and  domineering  in  a  uniform. 

Enter  Father  Serra. 

Father  Serra.     I  'm  told  Don  Pedro  is  here. 

Father  Noriega.  He  just  left  me  as  you  were  coming 
out. 

Father  Serra.     How  is  the  governor?     Well,  I  hope. 

Father  Noriega.  Irritable  and  insolent.  Sefior  Val- 
encia and  ladies  just  arrived. 

Father  Serra.     Indeed,  I  shall  be  glad  to  see  them. 

Father  Noriega.  The  governor  said  he  notified  Don 
Pablo  to  meet  him  here. 

Father  Serra.    He  must  have  had  some  purpose  in  that. 

Father  Noriega.     Do  you  suspect? 

Father  Serra.     The  grant? 

Father  Noriega.     I  think  the  vessel  brought  the  grant. 

Father  Serra.  That  is  it !  he  is  here  to  officially  notify 
me  of  the  transfer. 

Enter  Ignacio. 

Ignacio.  A  soldier  brought  this  packet  from  Monterey, 
your  Reverence.  Exit. 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  I.  113 

Father  Serra.  Our  mail.  There  is  no  communica- 
tion from  the  viceroy — I  tremble  for  us  now — our  peri- 
lous and  complaints  have  not  been  acted  on. 

Father  Noriega.     Courage. 

Father  Serra.  Here  's  one  from  the  Guardian.  Read*. 
"A  tract  of  land  has  just  been  granted  to  one  Don 
Pablo  Valencia,  of  Monterey,  concerning  which  I  have 
made  an  important  discovery." — Fages  succeeds! 

Father  Noriega.     Becalm!     Read  on. 

Fatter  Serra.  Reads.  "For  being  desirous  of  knowing 
the  location  of  the  proposed  grant,  I  compared  the  recom- 
mendations of  Governor  Fages  with  your  last  report  on 
the  lands  of  your  district,  and  what  was  my  surprise  to 
find  the  tract  included  within  the  limits  of  Mission  prop- 
erty, then  I  discovered  that  the  governor's  arguments 
were  false  and  misleading,  I  tried  to  have  the  grant 
annulled,  without  success;  the  viceroy  does  not  seem  to 
understand  the  situation." 

Father  Noriega.     As  I  suspected! 

Father  Serra.     What  infamy! 

Father  Noriega.     Is  there  no  hope  for  us? 

Father  Serra.  Reads.  "I  shall  bring  the  matter  before 
the  Audiencia,  so  gather  evidence  and  send  it  to  me  at 
once.  The  petitions  and  complaints  about  Governor 
Fages'  management  that  you  forwarded  last  March, 
are  being  considered,  favorably  or  not,  I  cannot  say. 
The  vestments  Father  Cavalier  requested — "other 
matter. 

Father  Noriega.     We  have  no  evidence. 

Father  Serra.  We  must  seek  for  it.  I  shall  have  an 
interview  with  Senor  Valencia  to-day.  Exeiint. 


114  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Enter  Donas  Dolores  and  Barbara, 

Dolores.     Invited  oft,  yet  he  remains  away. 

Dona  Barbara.     He  surely  lacks  the  wish  of  seeing 

friends. 

Dolores.     Why  even  here  we  do  not  see  his  face. 
Dona  Barbara.     No  doubt  he  has  so  much  to  do;  you 

know 
He  keeps  accounts  and  helps  in  many  ways. 

Dolores.     That  is  not  it,  for  he  has  kept  accounts 
A  year  or  more.     We  must  go  deeper  still. 

Finds  book  on  chair. 

Eduajrdo's  book  of  prayer  I  gave  to  him. 

The  Aves  and  the  Paters,  blessed  prayers, 

Disclose  the  secret  of  his  strange  neglect. 
Dona  Barbara.  You  have  discovered  it. 
Dolores.  Devoted  youth, 

Your  time  is  well  assigned.     Forgiven  now. 

Dona  Barbara.     Yes,  that  is  it,  for  soon  he  hopes  to 
leave 

For  Mexico,  to  study  for  the  Church: 

His  plans  are  good,  I  wish  him  all  success.  Exit- 

Dolores.     And  so  do  I;  but  then — what   might  have 
been. — 

How  opposite  in  character  they  are, — 

Eduardo's  good,  I  hope  he  will  be  blest. 

Enter  Eduardo  unseen  by  Dolores. 

Eduardo.     Aside.    Dream  of  me,  friend,  and  dreaming 
wish  me  well. 


ACT  IV.     SCENE  I.  115 

One  looks  and  then  her  beauty  must  admit, 

For  to  deny  would  but  the  truth  evade; 

I  better  speak,  abjure  the  cloister's  shade 
And  in  her  care  my  happiness  commit. 
A  picture  there,  I  never  shall  permit 

From  loved  Carmelo  memories  to  fade. 

Yes,  shun  the  cowl  and  play  the  serenade! 
As  acts  the  cavalier  yourself  acquit! 
Stop— stop — do  I  forget  I  said  farewell 

To  meet  no  more  until  I  saw  the  light 
Of  understanding  'lluminate  my  way? 
My  passions  master  me!  my  soul  compel! 

Temptation  hold!   I '11  not!  God  guide  me  right: 
To  Nocturnes,  Matins,  Mass  and  Vespers  pray.  Exit. 

Dolores.     O,  holy  book,  a  solace  ever  be, 
And  unto  him  bequeath,  who  reads  your  prayers, 
The  kindest  wishes  from  a  constant  friend.  Exit. 

Enter  Gov.  Pages  and  Don  Pablo. 

Goi'.  Pages.     Don   Pablo,    you   have  been  most  for- 
tunate; 
Here  is  the  grant,  you  '11  find  it  quite  correct. 

Hands  him  a  deed. 

Don  Pablo.     I    thank  you,  Governor,    you    are  most 

kind— 
Gov.  Pages.     No  thanks,  Senor,  no  thanks,    I   beg  of 

you. 

Enter  Fathers  Serra  and  Noriega. 


116  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Good  Father,  have  you  heard  the  welcome  news? 
Don  Pablo  's  now  at  liberty  to  use 
The  rancheria  tract,  it  's  splendid  land. 

Father  Serra.      I  would  congratulate  him  if  he  had 
An  honest  title  to  the  property. 

Gov.  Pages.    What  do  I  hear!    The  deed,  Sefior.    See 

this. 
You  know  the  signature. 

Father  Serra.  It  's  genuine. 

Gov.  Pages.     O,  I  supposed  you  'd  say  I  "forged  the 

name. 

Father  Serra.     We  had  a  prior  claim. 
Gov.  Pages.  How  's  that? 

O,  yes! 

A  visionary  claim!     I  heard  of  it 
Some  years  ago;  yes,  many  years  ago. 

Father  Noriega.     Aside  to  Don  Pablo.     I  'm  glad    our 

president  can  have  this  time 
To  show  the  governor  what  he  has  done. 

Don  Pablo.     I  think  Don  Pedro  will  recall  the  grant, 
When  is  made  known  the  error  of  the  act. 

Father  Serra.     So  distant  was  the  time  you  thought 

our  claim 
Of  slight  account,  and  so  you  made  it  out. 

Gov.  Pages.     Well,  what  's  this  all   about,  do  you  ob- 
ject? 

Father  Serra.      I    do    object;    the    grant  is  most  un- 
just. 

Gov.  Pages.     O,  that  's  in  keeping  with  your  princi- 
ples— 
To  always  take  exception  to  my  acts. 


ACT  IT.     SCENE  I.  117 

Father  Noriega.     Don  Pedro,  do  you  wish  to  speak  of 

this? 

Gov.  Pages.     I  'd  like  to  hear  about  that  prior  claim, 
That  flimsy  pretext  for  a  churchly  deed. 
Father  Noriega.     Then   please  respect    the    age    that 

bows  that  head: 

Your  tones  are  rough,  your  speech  is  rude,  refrain. 
Gov.  Pages.     I  meant  no  disrespect. 
Father  Noriega.  I  thought  you  did. 

Father  Serra.    The  Church  is   pledged  to  guard  this 

property, 

Because  the  aborigines,  who  are 
The  rightful  owners  of  the  soil,  became 
The  willing  converts  to  the  blessed  Faith, 
And  placed  their  future  and  their  trust  in  us. 
This  land  is  to  afford  them  Christian  homes, 
When  they  are  civilized  to  that  extent. 

Gov.  Pages-     The  viceroy  thought  the  granting  of  the 

land 
A  step  in  progress,  therefore  very  wise. 

Father  Serra.     He  thought  it  wise  ?  you  say,  he  thought 

it  wise? 

Perhaps  he  did,  on  strength  of  your  report: 
But  do  you  think  the  viceroy  such  a  man 
To  grant  this  land  away  and  knowing  what 
The  Mission  Fathers  meant  to  use  it  for? 
No,  that  official  is  too  honorable: 
Use  these  broad  acres  for  a  rich  man's  kine 
To  fatten  on  for  his  exclusive  gain? 
Where  is  the  virtue  in  such  narrow  views? 
He  's  not  the  man  to  aid  rascalities: 


118  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Can  God's  productive  soil  be  put  to  use 

In  ways  more  suitable  than  to  assist 

The  toiling,  homeless  and  down-trodden  poor? 

Gov.  Pages.     Am  I  to  always  ask  you  what  to  do? 
I  'm  here  to  see  this  country  colonized; 
Has  not  Don  Pablo  worked  to  help  the  place? 
I  'm  sure  he  feels  the  want  of  some  reward; 
And  justice  should  be  given  when  it  's  due: 
So  let  the  Indians  go  another  place. 

Father  Serra.     You  prate  of  justice,    how  grotesque 

the  forms 

It  can  assume  when  you  administer. 
This  grant  's  a  specimen  of  what  you  serve, 
And  the  deserting  neophytes  you  sent 
To  work  as  peons  on  Don  Pablo's  place, 
Is  but  another  instance  of  the  kind. 

Gov.  Pages.     Converted  Indians!    Now,  how  was  that? 
I  take  but  little  notice  of  the  men. 

Father  Serra.     Neglect  of  wrongs,    conspiracies    and 

thefts, 
Make  the  administration  prominent. 

Gov.  Pages.     Insult  the  government  and  all  concerned ! 

Father  Serra.     Insult  the  government!     Impossible; 
I   could   not   do  a  thing  like  that;   it  's  past 
The  touch  of  satire,  insult,  or  of  jest; 
When  truth  becomes  an  insult  then  to  prayers. 
What!  is  this  northern  territory  small? 
Have  we  no  settlers  here  to  venture  forth 
When  wishing  to  acquire  new  estate, 
Or  must  the  Church  be  always  pioneer? 
And  when  the  time  for  its  reward  has  come 


ACT  IV.     SCENE  I.  119 

In  seeing  savage  proteges  have  homes. 

Wherein  the  Crucifix  its  lessons  teach; 

The  government  steps  in  to  wreck  it  all, 

And  give  the  world  to  understand,  the  Church 

Is  an  accomodating  deputy, 

To  venture  in  the  wilds  and  pave  the  way, 

So  an  ambitious  State  when  all  is  well 

Can  grandly  wave  its  servant  to  the  rear, 

And  pose  before  the  world — a  power  divine. 

Gov.  Pages.     I    understand    the    Church    should    be 

maintained, 
With  due  respect  and  in  a  proper  sphere. 

Father  Serra.     Then,  why  do  you  persist  upon  your 

course? 

I  '11  tell  you  why  you  are  the  wrecker  here, 
It  's  not  to  aid  the  welfare  of  the  Crown; 
It  is  because  there  lives  in  you  the  hope 
To  see  Pages  a  little  higher  up 
In  politics — a  slightly  greater  man. 

Gov.  Pages.  Were  you  but  less  in  years  I  'd  answer  you ! 
The  king — 

Father  Serra.      Name  not  his  majesty  again! 
Your  old  excuse,  you  represent  the  king; 
If  so,  I  represent  His  Holiness, 
The  supreme  Word  of  an  undying  Church, 
A  man  infallible,  beside  of  which 
The  power  of  kings  and  grasping  satellites 
Can  never  hope  to  stand. 

Gov-  Pages.  What  's  that,  you  say! 

Do  you  defy  the  king?  our  gracious  king? 

Father  Serra.     O,  do  not  aim  to  turn  the  subject  so, 


120  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

And  try  to  cast  upon  me  treason's  stain; 
You  know  I  honor  him,  I  always  have; 
The  king  is  great,  God  save  his  majesty! 
He  cannot,  though,  attain  the  dignity 
Or  greatness  of  His  Holiness,  the  Pope: 
It  is  the  king's  misfortune  we  bewail. 

Gov.  Pages.      Misfortune! 

Father  Serra.  Yes,  his  trial,  that  he  should 

have 

For  the  administration  of  his  laws, — 
Such  poor  interpreters. 

Gov.  Pages.  Now  this  must  stop! 

I  come,  I  bow,  I  speak,  I  am  abused. 

Father  Serra.     Don    Pedro,    you    are    ever  welcome 

here, 

E  'en  though  your  bow  is  not  an  humble  one; 
The  speech  you  make  is  not  a  gentle  one; 
And  what  you  call  abuse  is  justice  served. 
It  's  a  reproach  upon  the  State  that  we, 
The  pioneers  of  California, 
Who  have  spent  years  of  toil  and  suffering 
To  build  this  wild  and  frontier  country  up, 
Must  in  our  aging  years  waste  precious  hours 
To  haggle  for  our  just  and  lawful  rights; 
And  every  day  we  live,  to  know  that  one 
Is  near,  with  crafty,  cruel,  dark    intent, 
Quite  ready  on  the  opportunity 
To  mutilate  or  steal  our  recompense. 
It  is  a  shame,  a  most  degrading  shame! 

Don  Pablo.     O,  Fathers,  Governor,  do  pardon  me, 
I  would  attempt  to  place  this  matter  right: 


ACT  IT.     SCEiVE  I.  121 

The  governor  assisted  me  to  get 

A  title  for  this  property,  for  it 

Was -my  request  that  urged  him  for  the  grant; 

And  Governor,  I  thank  you  for  the  work; 

I  'm  sorry  that  this  trouble  has  occurred, 

And  there  remains  a  duty  to  perform, 

To  deed  the  land  again,  so  I  '11  assign 

All  right  and  title  to  the  Fathers  here. 

Gov.  Pages.     Why,  why!  Don  Pablo,  this  will  never 

do; 

It  is  an  act  for  which  there  is  no  call; 
No,  no,  keep  it — I  can  not — I  shall  not 
See  fertile  lands  so  lost  upon  a  whim! 

Don  Pablo.     No,  Governor,  let  it  be  set  aside 
For  uses  of  the  Church,  they  need  it  most. 
I  know  you  've  spoken  for  my  benefit; 
Thanks  for  your  interest,  but  it  must  go 
To  those  who  hold  the  right,  the  prior  claim. 

Gov.  Pages.     No,  keep  the  tract !     The  Church  shall 

not  regain 

This  land!  entitled  to  the  soil  or  not, — 
The  State  is  master  of  this  colony, — 
I  '11  crush  the— 

Don  Pablo.  Raise  your  hand  against   the  Church, 

Fages,  and  you  remain  no  friend  of  mine. 
Our  ministers  have  suffered  far  too  much, 
And  all  the  reparation  man  can  make 
Will  not  repay  them  for  the  good  they  've  done 
Nor  compensate  them  for  the  bitter  trials 
That  they  have  undergone  so  many  years. 
I  want  no  more  of  this  disputed  tract! 


122  -  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

It  's  Mission  property,  and  with  the  Church 
It  shall  remain! 

Gov.  Pages.         O,  then,  if  you  insist — 

Don  Pablo.      I  do,  your  Excellency. 

Gov.  Pages.  Then  let  them 

Retain  the  land.      I  '11  make  the  papers  out 
As  soon  as  we  return  to  Monterey. 

Father  Serra.     Accept  the  thanks  of  all  the  friars,  sir: 
I  '11  speak  for  them  and  though  our  humble  thanks 
Are  all  that  we  can  give,  you  will  be  blest. 

Father  Noriega.     You  have  displayed  the  spirit  of  the 

just; 

We  're  glad  to  see  the  Church  has  yet  a  friend 
In  California. 

Father  Serra.     Praise  God  for  that. 

Gov.  Pages.     Audfrat'lero  will  1  now  be  termed. 

Father  Noriega.    It  's  my  regret  you  cannot  merit  that; 
Instead  El  Oso  seems  to  please  you  most. 

Father  Serra.     Thanks  to  Don  Pablo  we  have  justice 

now, 

And  I  will  notify  the  Guardian. 
But  what  is  Mexico  to  do  for  us? 

Father  Noriega.     Though   all  's   in  doubt   we  '11  pray 

they  end  as  this; 
From  what  the  letter  said  we  soon  may  know. 

Father  Serra.      I  hope  the  gentlemen  will  stop  till  eve, 
So  to  attend  the  Vesper  services. 

Don  Pablo.     We  will  remain,  your  Reverence,  and  then 
The  governor  and  party  go  with  me 
To  Rancho  del  Carrasco  as  my  guests. 

Father  Serra.      I  am  exhausted,  let  us  go  within. 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  I.  123 

Don  Pablo,  come,  I  wish  to  talk  with  you. 
Now  let  me  take  your  arm,  your  Reverence.     Exeunt. 
Gov.  Pages.     Aside.     I  'm  glad  he  thinks  I  did   it  for 
his  good. 

Enter  Manuel. 

Manuel.     Well? 

Gov.  Pages.     Well? 

Manuel.     What  can  be  done? 

Gov.  Pages.     Nothing, 

Manuel.     Nothing ! 

Gov.  Pages.     Certainly. 

Manuel     But  something  must  be  done! 

Gov.  Pages.     Why  so? 

Manuel      I  marvel  you  are  cool. 

Gov.  Pages.     I  've  no  reason  to  be  otherwise. 

Mamiel     We'll   lose   all!      Must  my  greatest  hopes 
vanish  when  there  's  a  possibility  of  realization? 

Gov.  Pages.     I  can  find  another — 

Manuel.     Another! 

Gov.  Pages.  There  are  a  thousand  choice  selections  in 
the  land. 

Manuel.     My  love  is  not  so  easily  transferred. 

Gov.  Pages.     What  are  you  talking  about? 

Manuel.     This  occurrence. 

Gov.  Pages.     It  will  not  affect   your  love   affairs;  it 
will  soon  be  forgotten. 

Manuel.     Indeed,  I  rather  think  they  feel  too  grate- 
ful for  the  timely  act. 

Gov.  Pages.    Why,  then  they  're  satisfied, 
can  they  ask? 

far    -^  ..A. 

Of  THE 

"niJTlESITtl 


124  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Manuel.  She  '11  marry  him !  That  will  be  his  reward, 
while  I  who  worship — 

Gov.  Pages.  Stop.  Tell  me  what  you  are  talking 
about. 

Manuel     This  incident,  of  course. 

Gov.  Pages.     Specify,  specify. 

Manuel.     Dolores  and  Don  Miguel. 

Gov.  Pages.      I  was  referring  to  a  tract  of  land. 

Manuel  Why,  have  n't  you  heard  that  Miguel  Al- 
varado  saved  Dolores'  life? 

Gov.  Pages.  No.  When  I  left  to  walk  with  Valencia 
we  spoke  of  land  matters.  I  hope  you  are  not  sorry 
her  life  was  saved. 

Manuel.  I  bless  the  name  of  Don  Miguel,  but  what 
becomes  of  me?  she,  woman-like,  will  take  the  senti- 
mental view  and  marry  him. 

Gov.  Pages.  How  well  you  have  it  planned.  How 
did  it  happen? 

Manuel.  Jose,  the  vacquero,  told  her  of  some  rare 
ferns  and  wild  flowers  growing  in  a  canon  of  the  Sierra 
Santa  Lucias,  and  yesterday  she  rode  there  alone  to 
gather  them, — a  hungry  mountain  cat — a  shriek — a 
swoon — my  rival  with  a  gun  completes  the  stirring 
episode.  He  happened  to  be  hunting  that  sheep-steal- 
ing animal. 

Gov.  Pages.  And  you  have  lost  a  bride,  and  he  has 
saved  his  second  life  this  year.  Noble  fellow!  He  well 
deserves  reward. 

Manuel.  It  was  rather  the  hand  of  God  than  that  of 
Don  Migueh 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  I.  125 

Gov.  Pages.     No  doubt  he  was  an  instrument. 

Manuel.  The  greatest  hero  is  the  knowing  volunteer. 
What  can  be  done?  I  cannot  have  my  romance  ended 
so, — send  me  away!  No!  send  him  away;  that  leaves 
the  field  to  me, — that  's  it! — that  's  it!  Do  not  allow 
him  an  hour  in  town,  dispatch  him  to  San  Juan  Capis- 
trano  on  a  mission  to  their  Reverences,  Mugartegui 
and  Fuster. 

Gov.  Fages.  You  forget  he  is  a  civilian.  Now  if  you 
were  Don  Miguel  and  Don  Miguel — 

Manuel.  Don't  mention  him  again!  Had  I  his  op- 
portunity? 

Gov.  Fages.  Come,  now.  Woman's  gratitude  does 
not  always  take  a  sentimental  course.  Don  Pablo  would 
not  accept  the  land. 

Manuel.     What!     It  's  his. 

Gov.  Fages.  The  president  raised  such  strong  objec- 
tions he  is  going  to  give  it  up. 

Manuel.     Is  it  becoming  so  the  friars  rule  in  Monterey? 

Gov.  Fages.  I  did  what  I  could  to  prevent  it,  but 
Don  Pablo  ruled;  he  insisted  that  the  land  should  be 
given  to  the  Church,  in  fact,  he  demanded  it:  I  had  to 
humor  him. 

Manuel.  Another  misfortune!  We  are  losing  influ- 
ence. 

Gov.  Fages.  I  think  not.  I  presume  he  thought  the 
grant  would  be  revoked  on  pressure  from  the  Guardian, 
so  to  keep  the  peace  he  gave  it  up. 

Manuel.  Will  not  the  president  formulate  this  land 
business  into  a  complaint? 


128  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Gov.  Pages.  Let  him  do  it;  where  are  his  proofs  that 
I  misrepresented  anything?  I  worded  that  recommend- 
ation too  carefully.  His  complaint  will  be  listened  to, 
smiled  at,  referred  to  the  Audienda,  and  when  they  de- 
cide it  was  an  unintentional  error,  about  five  years  will 
have  passed. 

Manuel.  An  incident  subject  to  the  process  of  con- 
tinuence. 

Gov.  Fages.  Convenient.  How  seldom  do  we  see 
your  friend. 

Manuel.     Yes,  but  why,  I  cannot  understand. 

Enter  Donas  Dolores  and  Barbara. 

Dolores.     Governor,  you  have  missed  something. 

Gov-  Fages.     What  is  that? 

Dolores.     A  fandango. 

Manuel.     You  have  been  dancing,  Senorita? 

Dolores.     Yes,  I  know  the  governor  likes   the  dance. 

Gov.  Fages.     Indeed  I  do.     Why  did  you  not  tell  me? 

Dolores.     Barbara  thought  you  busy,  your  Excellency. 

Gov.  Fages.  Dona  Barbara,  my  cares  will  never  be 
so  pressing  that  I  cannot  lay  them  aside  to  attend  a 
fandango,  in  which  the  Senorita  is  a  participant. 

Manuel.  Or  .1.  Aside  to  Dona  Barbara.  You  are 
very  cruel. 

Dona  Barbara.  I  am  sorry,  but  you  always  seem  so 
interested  in  military  affairs  I  would  not  dare  to  in- 
terrupt. 

Manuel.     Senora,  dare  anything  in  such  events. 

Enter  Dona  Eulalia  and  Don  Pablo. 


ACT  IV.     SCENE  I.  127 

Dona  Eulalia.  To  Manuel  Captain,  you  are  very 
partial  to  the  demands  of  state. 

Manuel     To  my  detriment  I  am. 

Dona  Eulalia.      Most  decidedly. 

Manuel  I  know  it,  I  miss  everything,  always  have, 
always  will;  everything  has  gone  wrong;  the  governor 
is  losing,  I  am  losing;  I  never  spent  so  unfortunate  a  day. 

Don  Pablo.     Dolores,  you  should  not  dance  so  much. 

Dolores-     I  am  not  tired. 

Gov.  Pages.     Dancing  is  a  healthful  exercise. 

Don  Pablo.  I  believe  in  encouraging  it,  but  one  must 
be  moderate. 

Manuel     Who  was  the  partner,  Senorita? 

Dolores.     Juan  Castro.      He  is  a  very  clever  dancer. 

Dona  Barbara.  The  best  fandango  dancer  in  Mon 
terey. 

Manuel  Aside-  Ah,  he  is!  Another  rival!  This  is 
going  too  far!  Aside  to  Gov.  Pages.  Governor,  this  must 
stop. 

Gov.  Pages.      To  Manuel     What  is  ttyit? 

Manuel  This  corporal  dancing  with  Dolores.  Send 
him  away. 

Gov  Pages.  Certainly,  I  can  transfer  him  to  Mission 
San  Antonio. 

Manuel  That  's  not  far  enough,  send  him  to  San 
Louis  Obispo;  Father  Paterna  will  welcome  him. 

Gov.  Pages.     You  command  his  destiny. 

Manuel.  Let  him  dance  with  the  Indians  for  a 
change;  as  for  Alvarado,  I  will  challenge  him  at  the  first 
opportunity — no,  I  '11  not  wait  for  that — I  '11  make  one 
I  '11— 


128 


FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 


Gov.  Pages.      Injure  him  and  you  injure  yourself. 

Manuel  What  am  I  to  do?  Stand  by  and  see  this 
line  of  followers  pay  court  to  her?  It  seems  my  list  of 
competitors  has  no  end — a  new  one  rises  up  at  almost 
every  hour  to  herald  some  heroic  deed.  Why,  even 
Eduardo  is  likely  any  day  to  tell  her  of  his  love. 
Pages-  Do  not  become  jealous. 


Manuel.      I  'm  not,— but— 

Gov.  Pages.  I  see  you  're  not.  Let  them  do  heroic 
deeds  that  merit  great  applause.  You  forget  I  am 
behind  you.  I  am  still  Don  Pablo's  friend  and  I  nevrr 
lose  an  opportunity  to  talk  for  you.  Her  father  \\\\\ 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  I.  129 

have  the  choosing  of  her  husband.  They  who  lack  in- 
fluence also  lack  advancement. 

Manuel  She  '11  not  be  forced  to  take  another's 
choice. 

Gov.  Pages.  Failure  I  never  recognize  until  success 
is  irretrievable.  To  Dolores-  Sefiorita,  I  heard  of  your 
escape,  a  narrow  one;  you  should  not  venture  so  far 
alone,  we  cannot  afford  to  lose  you. 

Manuel     Aside.   No,  nor  lose  you  in  any  other  way. 

Dolores.  I  shall  never  ride  so  far  again,  un- 
attended. 

Gov.  Pages.  Aside  to  Dona  Eulalia.  Leave  the  young 
people  alone  awhile. 

Dona  Eulalia.     Yes,  you  go  first. 

Gov.  Pages.  Seiior,  I  should  like  to  speak  with  you 
about  some  property  yet  unclaimed  in  the  Pueblo  of 
San  Jose". 

Don  Pablo.     Will  the  ladies  excuse  us? 

Dona  Eulalia.     Certainly,  Senores. 

Exeunt  Gov.  Pages  and  Don  Pablo. 

*  Manuel  Aside.  Now  they  are  gone,  and  if  the  other 
two  would  only  go. 

Dona  Eulalia.  Do  you  not  wish  you  were  in  Spain 
again,  where  savages  and  wild  animals  are  unknown? 

Dolores.     No,  I  like  California. 

Manuel     Aside.     Sensible  girl! 

Dona  Eulalia.     I  am  a  lone  exception. 

Dona  Barbara.     So  you  are  anxious  to  return? 

Dona  Eulalia.     I    long  to  see   the   lovely    gardens  of 


130  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

dear  Spain  once  more.  This  place  is  too  new,  I  like  a 
country  that  has  some  evidence  of  history,  wealth,  and 
power. 

Manuel.  Aside.  I  '11  make  capital  of  this  and  bind 
her  in  a  common  bond  of  sympathy.  The  Senora  is  our 
foil.  Enthusiasm,  announce  your  admiration  in  ringing 
eulogies. 

Dolores.     How  does  the  governor  regard  your  views? 

Dona  Eulalia.  I  am  sorry  to  say  he  desires  to  re- 
main. Are  you  not  anxious  to  return,  Captain? 

Manuel.  For  me,  I  would  rather  be  identified  with  a 
new  and  coming  land  than  live  'mid  the  conservative 
relics  of  moldy  and  moss-grown  towers.  'Adventure'  is 
the  Spaniard's  watchword  that  impels  him  to  seek  for 
wealth,  authority  and  fame,  in  countries  that  savages 
possess;  and  by  that  spirit  heroic  exploits  stand  achieved. 
A  greater  land  requests  attention  now;  and  yet  the  peo- 
ple of  the  East  live  enwrapt  in  the  mightiness  of  their 
existence,  forever  failing  to  recognise  the  fact  there 
grows  a  western  world.  But  if  the  East  is  opulent  and 
strong;  the  West,  enriched  by  Nature  is  rising  as  a 
power.  If  the  East  is  beautiful;  the  West  not  only  has 
that  excellence,  but  far  surpasses  it  by  being  vast,  mar- 
velous, and  sublime.  If  the  East  has  a  history;  the 
West,  though  new,  is  making  one  and  one  that  any 
state  might  well  be  proud  to  have.  Give  me  the  West,  the 
pushing,  progressive,  and  ever-assertive  West! 

Dolores.     Bravo,  Capitan,  speak  well  of  the  West. 

Dona  Eulalia.  For  some  this  country  offers  great  ad- 
vantages, but  I  feel  out  of  place;  my  happiness  is  cen- 
tered in  Madrid.  Come,  Senora,  I  want  you  to  show 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  I.  131 

me  the  village  of  the  neophytes;  I  have  never  visited  it. 

Dona  Barbara.  Certainly.  We  '11  leave  you  to  your- 
selves awhile. 

Manuel-     Aside.     But  they  are  kind. 

Dolores-  You  '11  find  the  village  quite  an  interesting 
sight. 

Exeunt  Donas  Eulalia  and  Barbara. 

Manuel   Aside.     How  bountiful  was  Nature  with  her 

gifts; 

In  one  long  life  we  meet  like  her  but  few: 
I  '11  wait  no  more,  I  '11  know  my  fate  to-day. 
Ah,  Senorita, — I — I — 

Dolores.  Well,  Senor? 

Manuel.      I  need  advice. 

Dolores.  Indeed,  now  what  about? 

Manuel.     I — will  you  counsel  me? 

Dolores.  Perhaps,  Senor, 

I  am  not  qualified — 

Manuel.  O  yes,  you  are! 

Dolores.     Well,    now,    what   would   you  have  advice 
upon? 

Manuel     Avowal  must  come  first — I  am  in  love. 

Dolores.     Why,  that  is  news  to  me.     Who  is  she  now? 

Manuel*     I  will  reserve  the  name  a  little  while. 

Dolores.     But  what  can  I  advise  in  love  affairs? 

Manuel     Just  this,  a  little  thing,  though  hard  to  do: 
When  I  propose,  what  method  's  best  to  take? 
Shall  I  to  her  in  rhyming  cadence  speak, 
Or  turn  my  words  into  poetic  prose? 
For  I  would  have  my  play  without  a  flaw. 


132  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

In  fact  I  '11  have  to  use  the  greatest  care, 
So  says  the  governor,  and  he  must  know. 

Dolores.     Then  you  've  been  hunting  for  advice  before? 

Manuel     O  no,  no,  the  remark  was  casual. 

Dolores.     How  can  I  tell  you  what  to  say  to  her 
Unless  I  know  the  kind  of  girl  she  is? 
Besides — you  know  the  sweetest  words  are  best. 

Manuel     Then  teach  me  in  a  way  that  's  general. 

Dolores.     That  would  not  do,  each  case  is  different, 
And  with  a  just  severity  demands 
Perfection  in  announcement  of  a  love. 
Describe  her  first  so  I  may  know  the  way. 

Manuel     She  might  be  angry  if  I  pictured  her. 

Dolores.     I  promise  not  to  tell.      Does  she  live  here? 
Of  course  she  does,  so  just  tell  me  her  name; 
'T  will  save  description  for  I  know  them  all. 

Manuel.     A  secret  that  must  be,  her  home  and  name. 

Dolores.     Describe  the  mystery,  I  'm  curious. 

Manuel.  Well  then,  prepare  to  be  astonished  by 
Her  many  gracious  charms,  for  they  're  unmatched. 
I  '11  start  upon  her  disposition  first; 

0  that  in  her  is  incomparable; 

1  see  the  promise  of  a  happy  life; 
She  has  a  time-defying  patience  that 
No  matter  how  monotonous  the  hour, 
Her  rare  propensity  will  master  it: 

Then  when  she  smiles  you  see  how  lovable 
Her  nature;  for  there  's  much  in  woman's  smile; 
Her  glance  so  soft,  't  would  wreck  the  strongest  will 
That  said  he  'd  love  her  not.      And  then  her  voice — 
Be  it  in  song  or  conversation  low, 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  /.  133 

All  listless  moments  vanish  on  the  sound, 
For  harmony  enriches  every  word. 

Dolores-     So  far  as  you  have  gone,  she  's  marvelous. 
O,  yes — what  is  the  color  of  her  eyes? 

ManueL     Her  eyes  have  the  ascendency  o  er  all, 
And  like  most  Spanish  maidens  they  are  black; 
But  there  their  rivalry  with  her  must  stop; 
For  though  her  eyes  are  dark  they  've  other  charms 
That  far  surpass  the  spell  that  others  have; 
They  're  brilliant  as  the  gleam  of  diamonds, 
But  they  unlike  the  diamonds  are  not  cold; 
She  need  not  use  her  voice  for  they  speak  out 
More  eloquently  than  magnetic  speech. 

Dolores.     I  am  becoming  jealous  of  this  girl. 

Manuel.     Her  hair,  her  face,  her  hand,  her  foot,  her 

form, 

Need  long  descriptions  which  I  hope  you  '11  waive 
For  want  of  fitting  words, — but  this  I  '11  say, 
She  has  been  so  endowed,  that  art  would  fail 
In  trying  to  delineate  the  truth: 
Kind  Nature  left  in  her  a  masterpiece. 

Dolores.     How  beautiful  she  is.      How  you  must  love. 

MamieL     As  loves  a  Spanish  cavalier. 

Dolores.  Enough! 

That  answers  all  demands. 

Manuel.  So  in  what  way 

Must  I  propose  to  run  no  chance  of  loss? 

Dolores.      A  Spanish  cavalier  does  not  require 
Such  information  in  his  love  affairs. 

Manuel.     But  might  there  not  arise  to  kill  my  plea, 
Some  rude,  ill-placed,  incorporated  word? 


134  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Dolores.     It  often  does, — but  this  advice  is  dear. 

Manuel     Though  it  would  take  the  fairest  gems    in 

Spain, 

Or  anything  more  stable  than  the  gold 
That  tints  and  ornaments  the  sunset  clouds, 
I  '11  seek  for  it,  and  finding,  pay  the  debt; 
Yea,  teach  me  words  that  will  insure  success, 
That  on  their  utterance,  '  Yes',  is  reply, 
And  I  '11  endow  you  with  a  just  reward: 
You  've  promised  me  and  I  have  told  you  all. 

Dolores.     What,  all? 

Manuel.  O  no,  I  could  not  tell  you  all; 

I  '11  not  attempt  the  indescribable. 

Dolores.     Aside.     O  can  it  be  that  this  is  his  revenge, 
Due  for  my  not  encouraging  his  suit?  To  Manuel. 

You  told  me  once  that  you  admired  me. 
And  yet — 

Manuel.     I  do  with  all — 

Dolores.  What  's  that!     you  do? 

And  love  another,  as  you  so  declare? 
Now  that  admission  is  a  cruelty 
To  her,  she  has  my  deepest  sympathies; 
Suppose  I  tell  her  what  you  've  said  to  me. 

Manuel.     O,  she  would  not  be  angry  in  the  least. 

Dolores.     You  thought  she  would  when  first   I   ques- 
tioned you: 
How  marvelous  a  nature  she  must  have. 

Manuel.     She  is  to  me  almost  a  miracle. 

Dolores.     But  are  you  never  jealous  of  your  love? 

Manuel.     I  am  at  times,  there  're  rivals  for  her  hand. 

Dolores.     A  Spanish  cavalier  with  rivals,  no! 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  L  135 

Where  is  your  rapier?  are  you  afraid? 

Manuel.     It  is  a  cause  where  swords  play  little  part. 

Dolores.     Please  tell  me  who  she  is?     Now  do. 

Manuel.  I  shall, 

Provided  that  you  try  to  guess  her  name. 

Dolores.     I  am  the  poorest  guesser  in  the  world. 

Manuel.     Dolores — 

Dolores.  Ah — what — did  you — say  to  me  ? 

Manuel.     I  only  got  that  far. 

Dolores.  What  was  the  rest? 

Manuel.     I  really  think  there  is  no  more  to  say. 

Dolores.     That  was  an  exclamation  of  no  sense. 

Manuel.     It  meant  so  much  to  me. 

Dolores-  How  so? 

Manuel  "  Because 

It  answered  what  you  asked. 

Dolores.  Now  what  was  that? 

Manuel.     Who  is  the  one  I  love — then  if  you  'd  know — 
Dolores,  it  is  you,  you  are  my  love 
Come,  let  us  lay  aside  this  pretty  farce, 
And  tell  me  truly,  is  my  love  returned? 

Dolores.     And  you  have  loved   me  for — wait,  let  me 

see — 

There  's  one,  two,  three,  yes,  nearly  four  short  months; 
The  time  is  brief  to  learn  so  deep  a  thing. 

Manuel     Although  despotic  circumstance  enticed 
From  me  two  years  of  sweet  acquaintanceship, 
I  did  not  have  to  learn  to  love  at  all 
So  quickly  did  your  presence  make  me  slave: 
But  I  have  lived  in  those  four  doubtful  months 
As  many  weary  years,  except  the  hours 


136  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

When  you  were  by,  and  they  were  always  short; 
Like  sweetest  things  in  life  they  lingered  not. 

Dolores.     How  rapidly  your  years  must  hurry  on, 
I  would  not  see  you  age  at  such  a  pace, 
For  fear  your  youthful  days  would  be  confined 
To  far  too  brief  a  period;  for  youth 
Is  short  enough;  when  it  is  gone,  fades  love; 
That  love  which  nature  grants  alone  to  youth. 

Manuel     O,  then  regard  my  love,  and  save  my  youth, 
That  it  may  taste  the  sweets  denied  in  age; 
I  loved  you  from  the  day  that  we  first  met, 
So  let  me  have  the  shadow  of  reward. 

Dolores.     The  shadow,  Manuel,  's  too  light  a  thing — 
But — if  reality  will  compensate — 
I  hardly  think  it  may — I — 

Manuel.  Then  you  do? 

0  where  's  the  hour  that  can  this  time  surpass? 
All  happiness  that  's  past,  was  pain  till  now: 

1  win  and  yet  you  did  not  tell  me  how. 

Dolores.     You  knew  too  well,  dear  Manuel,  the  art. 

Enter  Gov.  Pages  and  Don  Pablo  unseen   by  stage-     Don 

Pablo  is  surprised.     Gov.  Pages  extends  his  hand. 

Don  Pablo  grasps  it,  and  gestures  silence. 

Don  Pablo.     Let  them  enjoy  their  secret,  it  is  dear; 
This  time  will  be  so  hallowed  in  their  lives. 

Gov.  Pages.     It  shall  be  so.     Aside.    Well,  this  looks 

like  success: 

Here  is  a  day  wherein  I  've  lost  and  won. 
To  Don  Pablo.     The  union  of  fond  hearts  do  not  delay. 

Don  Pablo.   No  more  than  courtship  's  dear  necessity. 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  II. 

Their  lives  now  joined,  shall  never  drift  apart; 
For  Love  's  transfixed  them  with  his  magic  dart. 

Exeunt  Gov.  Pages  and  Don  Pablo. 


137 


SCENE  II. — INTERIOR  OF  FATHER  SERRA'S    HOME    AT 
SAN  CARLOS.     AFTERNOON,  AUGUST  28,  1784. 

Enter  Fathers  Serra  and  Palou. 

Father  Serra.     I  'm  very  glad  that  you  arrived  in  time: 
The  summons  that  I  sent  with  my  farewell 
To  have  a  Father  from  the  Missions  near 
Take  leave  in  person,  will  be  most  too  late. 

Father  Palou,   I  hoped  that  Father  Sitjar  would  arrive. 

Father  Serra.     He  will  not  be  in  time.      I  would  have 

liked 

To  also  see  dear  Father  Pieras, 
But  then  the  Mission  would  be  left  alone. 
Your  being  here  recalls  old  times  again: 


138  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

How  sorrowful  seemed  dedication  day, 
When  Santa  Clara  was,  with  holy  rites, 
Forever  consecrated  to  the  Faith, 
To  know  that  Father  Murguia  lay 
Beneath  the  Church  he  labored  so  to  build: 
Poor  Father  Pena  must  be  lonesome  now. 

Father  Palou.     The  sad  condition  I  '11  encounter  soon. 

Father  Serra.     Ah,  yes;    for  one  of  the  three  friends 
remain. 

Father  Palou.     You  '11  never  know  my  feelings  now. 
Alone. 

Father  Serra.      I  know  that   feeling   well.     But   two 

short  years 
And  little  more  since  Father  Crespi  died. 

Father  Palou.  He  was  the  life  and  sunshine  of  our  lives. 

Father  Serra. 

What  sorrow,  what  bereavement,  comes  with  death; 

To  look  for  the  last  time  on  one  we  love, 

And  know  that  nevermore  the  passing  breath 

Will  animate  the  form  whose  soul  's  above. 

It  's  then,  I  feel  the  world  is  lost  to  me, 

That  I  must  wander  lonely  through  this  life, 

Before  me  no  bright  future  can  I  see, 

A  dark  existence  only,  rilled  with  strife. 

Most  in  this  life  must  pass  through  such  an  hour, 

Some  sink  beneath  the  strain  to  not  survive, 

One  must  be  aided  by  a  stronger  power 

To  stay  the  bitter  shocks  Death  will  contrive. 

Outlive  the  time,  in  time  to  come,  we  may; 

But  in  this  life  I  know  no  sadder  day. 


ACT  IV.     SCENE  II.  139 

Father  Palou.     O,   He  who    calls   thee  home,    would 
summon  me. 

Father  Serra.     We  must  abide  His  pleasure,    dearest 

friend. 

I  did  not  hope  to  leave  San  Gabriel, 
And  Father  Sanchez  thought  I  'd  not  survive 
And  loved  Cruzado  then  proposed  to  have 
The  Sacramental  rites  administered; 
When  all  at  once  I  felt  I  would  be  spared; 
But  now  I  feel  that  He  is  calling  me. 
Give  my  farewell  to  your  associate, 
Dear  Father  Cambon,  whom  I  will  see  no  more. 

Father  Palou.      I  shall. 

Father  Serra.  Francisco,  I  am  not  content. 

Father  Palou.     Vie  with  the  world  no  more.     Be  tran- 
quil now. 

Father  Serra.     My  life    has  been  so  short,  your   Rev- 
erence; 

It  seems  to  me  but  little  while  ago 
I  was  in  manhood's  prime,  and  farther  back, 
My  memory  is  good,  I  was  a  youth 
For  whom  a  most  attractive  future  lay: 
My  thoughts  now  backward  turn  to  conquests  past 
And  from  the  verge  of  faculties'  decay, 
I  see  the  spirit  of  my  early  dreams 
Accomplished  in  the  line  of  Christian  work: 
But  still  I  wished  to  save  more  gentile  souls 
Than  I  had  done,  and  now  it  is  too  late; 
A  voice  within  me  says,  "Renounce  your  toil 
For  your  allotted  time  to  save,  is  past," — 
It  is  indeed, — conversion  days  are  o'er, 


140  FA  THER  JUN1PERO  SERRA. 

And  lamentations  will  avail  me  not: 
Now  comes  that  long-expected  final  hour 
When  nearer  with  its  dark  approach  the  bier 
Appears  in  its  sepulchral  fantasy; 
And  through  the  mist  of  mystery  my  soul 
Will  take  its  flight  to  seek  the  life  renewed; 
So  dies  the  form  and  back  to  dust  returns, 
So  lives  the  spirit  in  eternal  peace. 

Father  Palou.     Would   all  of  us  could   do  what   you 

have  done. 

Have   no  regrets;  your  life  's  an  answered  prayer. 
Father  Serra.     It  's  now  long  past  the  time  when  we 

should  hear 

Of  the  petitions  and  complaints  I  sent; 
The  franking  privilege,  the  Mission  guards, 
And  escorts  for  the  friars  on  their  trips, 
The  founding  of  new  Missions  down  the  coast, 
The  need  of  posts  in  the  interior, 
The  governor's  contempt  at  our  requests, 
The  use  of  runaways  to  work  for  him, 
And  other  things  I  wrote  about  last  March 
And  months  before:  have  they  forgotten  us? 

Father  Palou.     The  time  is  long  but  then  official  acts 
Are  so  encumbered  by  formalities: 
The  viceroy  is  a  just  and  pious  man; 
Trust  him,  your  Reverence. 

Father  Serra.  All  may  be  well.     Exeunt. 

Enter  Father  Noriega  and  Eduardo. 

Father  Noriega.     When  does   Captain    Canizares    re- 
turn to  Monterey? 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  //.  141 

Eduardo.     He  has  departed,  Father. 

Father  Noriega.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  Governor 
Pages  and  family  are  absent  in  San  Francisco:  our 
Father  Presidente  is  sinking  rapidly:  although  he  's 
able  to  be  up,  the  surgeon  says  he  '11  not  survive  the 
day. 

Eduardo.  I  am  thankful  he  received  the  last  Sacra- 
ment. 

Father  Noriega.  Yes,  and  the  Absolution  and  Plenary 
Indulgence  of  our  Order. 

Eduardo.  Does  Father  Diaz  of  the  San  Carlos  re- 
main with  us? 

Father  Noriega.  Until  the  end,  my  son.  Has  Cap- 
tain Soler  arrived? 

Eduardo.  Juan  told  me  he  sent  the  adjutant-inspector 
word  to  come  over  immediately. 

Father  Noriega.  I  hope  he  will  arrive  in  time.  What 
of  Captain  Alvarez? 

Eduardo.  I  sent  him  word.  Don  Pablo  and  family 
will  remain  throughout  the  day. 

Enter  Ignacio. 

Ignacio.  Father,  a  messenger  just  arrived  from  Mis- 
sion Dolores,  sent  by  Governor  Fages.  He  bore  this 
packet. 

Father  Noriega.  Very  well,  Ignacio.  Exit  Ignacio. 
They  contain  orders  from  the  viceroy  and  advices  from 
the  College.  Strange  why  they  were  sent  to  the  Presi- 
dio of  San  Francisco.  I  shall  look  them  over;  there 
may  be  news  of  interest  to  our  president.  Exit. 

Eduardo.     May  I  be  granted  just  a  little  time  to  see 


142  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

the  Father  before  he  dies.     I  lose  a  friend  that   cannot 
be  replaced. 

Enter  Fathers  Serra  and  Palou. 

Father  Serra.  Yes,  I  will  see  Eduardo  now.  Send 
him  to  me.  Here  he  is. 

Exit  Father  Palou. 

Eduardo.     My  Father. 

Father  Serra.  Rise,  my  son.  Tell  me,  have  you  de- 
cided to  abandon  your  hopes  of  priesthood? 

Eduardo.  Your  Reverence,  after  studying  this  ques- 
tion from  every  standpoint;  thinking  deeply  over  the 
smallest  details;  and  of  late  not  permitting  my  affections 
to  sway  me  in  the  least;  I  came  to  this  firm  and  irrev- 
ocable decision,  that  it  is  my  duty,  so  long  as  our 
Heavenly  Father  chooses  to  grant  me  life,  to  devote 
every  moment  of  my  time  to  His  Holy  Church,  for  the 
spiritual  and  material  advancement  of  my  fellow-men. 

Father  Serra.  How  grand  is  this  resolve.  You  have 
acted  a  noble  part  in  your  struggle  against  a  strong  temp- 
tation. There  is  no  severer  test  of  character  than  to  re- 
sist the  mighty  power  of  the  affections.  My  wish  shall  be 
fulfilled.  Have  you  heard  from  Manuel  or  Dolores? 

Eduardo.  No,  Father,  I  avoided  meeting  them  since 
I  made  my  peace  with  Manuel,  the  day  after  our  quar- 
rel. I  felt  it  was  wisest  to  shun  those  influences  which 
might  tend  to  affect  my  decision. 

Enter  Ignacio. 

Father  Serra.  Aside.  Wisdom  as  well  as  enthusiasm. 
Ignacio? 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  II.  143 

Ignatio.     Captain  Alvarez  has  arrived,  Father. 
Father  Serra.     Most  opportune!     I  should  like  to  see 
the  captain  here. 

Exit  Ignacio.     Enter  Manuel. 

Manuel.  I  heard  that  you  were  failing,  Father;  I 
hope  it  is  not  true.  I  'm  glad  to  see  you,  Eduardo. 

Father  Serra.  I  fear  it  is,  my  son.  Have  you  any 
news  for  me? 

Manuel.  Nothing,  Father, — except — well — I  heard 
that  you  were  worse  and  came — 

Father  Serra.  Yes,  I  know;  and  you  were  kind  to 
think  of  this  old  man.  But  I  should  like  to  have  that 
little  news. 

Manuel     I  'm  afraid  it  will  offend — 

Eduardo.  Manuel,  whatever  you  may  say  will  give 
me  no  offense. 

Father  Serra.     That  is  the  right  spirit,  my  sou. 

Manuel  I  have  been  engaged  to  Sefiorita  Dolores  for 
some  time  and  it  is  Don  Pablo's  wish  the  bans  be  an- 
nounced the  first  Sunday  of  November. 

Father  Serra.  Manuel,  it  is  good  news!  It  is  happy 
news!  I  learned  it  from  Senor  Valencia;  but  I  wanted 
Eduardo  to  know  it  from  your  lips.  Would  that  I  could 
live  to  make  announcement.  A  dying  Father's  bless- 
ing for  you  both. 

Eduardo.  Manuel,  accept  my  sincere  congratulations. 
You  wrere  right;  I  was  wrong. 

Manuel  Eduardo,  I  felt  I  was  advising  what  was  right. 
Had  you  married  Dolores  I  would  still  say  you  erred. 


144  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

When  I  told  you  she  loved  me  I  had  had  flashes  of  en- 
couragement. And,  Father,  I  now  see  Don  Pedro  is 
wrong  in  many  of  his  rulings  on  Mission  affairs,  and  as 
my  office  in  Monterey  has  been  made  permanent,  I  will 
do  as  I  promised  Eduardo  on  my  return  last  March,  that 
is  induce  the  governor  to  be  more  lenient;  more  con- 
siderate; more  just. 

Father  Serr a.  At  last  my  hopes  of  you  are  realized. 
The  governor  has  injured  us,  but  I  am  soon  to  pass 
away,  and  he  no  doubt  will  rule  for  many  years — so, 
Manuel,  tell  him  I  send  a  last  forgiveness  for  his  oppo- 
sition and  will  pray  as  I  often  have  before  that  he  will 
become  a  wiser  man. 

Manuel.  He  cannot  but  think  kindly  on  hearing 
your  message. 

Father  Serra.  Manuel,  Eduardo  can  rejoice  with  you, 
for  he  has  wisely  decided  that  a  holy  life  is  best. 

Eduardo.  Yes,  I  know  my  life-work  now.  She  will 
be  happy,  and  I  am  satisfied. 

Father  Serra.  My  children,  you  have  made  glad  the 
heart  of  a  dying  man.  Kneel  and  receive  my  blessing. 
Now,  Manuel,  tell  Father  Palou  I  wish  to  see  him;  and 
Eduardo,  request  Father  Noriega's  presence  here. 

Exeunt  Eduardo  and  Manuel. 
So  ends  the  struggle,  happily  for  all. 

Enter  Fathers  Palou  and  Noriega. 

Fathers,  I  wish  to  speak  with  you.  Eduardo.  Did  he 
return? 

Father  Palou.     I  will  call  him.  Exit. 


ACT  IV.     SCENE  II.  145 

Father  Noriega.     I  hope  you  are  feeling  no  worse? 
Father  Serra.     I  am  a  little  stronger  than   I  was  an 
hour  ago. 

Enter  Father  Palou  and  Eduardo. 

Let  me  commend  to  your  love  and  eare  a  youth  who 
has  won  a  mighty  victory  in  following  the  dictates  of  duty, 
not  desire;  he  is  destined  to  make  a  most  enthusiastic 
worker  for  the  Church;  Fathers,  think  well  of  my  young 
protege,  he  is  faithful.  Give  him  letters  to  our  Guardian 
and  to  our  friend,  Archbishop  Haro,  and  also  to  Padre 
Fermin  Lausen,  stating  it  was  one  of  my  last  requests 
that  he  be  aided  in  every  way,  for  he  was  under  my 
care,  and  promises  most  well. 

Father  Palou.  Eduardo  merits  praise,  he  always  did; 
I  will  do  for  him  most  gladly  all  you  wish. 

Father  Noriega.  He  shall  ever  have  my  love  and 
care. 

Eduardo.     Your  Reverences,  I  humbly  thank  you. 

Father  Serra.  Let  me  go  and  bless  the  neophytes. 
Assist  me,  Eduardo.  Exeunt. 

Father  Palou.  How  much  I  wish  some  news  would 
come  to  brighten  his  last  hours. 

Father  Noriega.     That  blessing  has  been  granted  him. 

Father  Palou.     What ! 

Father  Noriega.  The  long  expected  news  from  Mexico 
has  arrived. 

Father  Palou.     Possible!     Favorable? 

Father  Noriega.  No  message  could  much  greater 
blessings  bring.  ^ 

Father  Palou.     The  hand  of  God. 

0*  THl 


146  FATHER  JU\rIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Noriega.  But  perhaps  the  news  might  be  dan- 
gerous to  impart;  he  's  very  weak. 

Father  Palou.  His  weakness  is  a  kind  that  will 
gather  strength  on  favorable  reports.  By  all  means 
let  him  know  of  it. 

Enter  Father  Serra  and  Eduardo. 

Father  Serra.     My  friends,  I  have  a  marvel    to  relate; 
Last  night  I  had  a  strange  experience,— 
It  evidenced  a  holy  man's. reward. 
As  I  was  kneeling  in  a  fervent  prayer, 
A  sudden  blank  occurred,  then  I   awoke 
To  find  myself  upon  the  desert  waste; 
I  knew  the  place  from  many  old  reports; 
For  weird,  and  dark,  and  silent  at  my  feet, 
The  Rio  Colorado  flowed  along; 
I  stood  upon  a  little  rocky  knoll 
And  round  about  there  seemed  the  evidence 
Of  pre-historic  man.      The  night  was  such 
I  could  not  see  with  clearness  far  away, 
More  than  define  the  ghostly  sentinels, 
The  cacti,  yucca,  and  agava  tall: 
Then  all  at  once  the  place  became  illumed, 
The  moonlight  shone  across  the  cactus  plain 
And  burst  upon  my  view  quite  near  to  me, 
The  blackened  ruins  of  a  massacre. 
It  was  Concepcion.      All  was  so  still — 
When  suddenly  to  westward  and  afar, 
A  hidden  choir  sang  out  in  ecstasy 
The  strains  we  're  wont  to  sing  upon  a  death; 
A  fallen  cause  Deemed  glorified  in  it; 


ACT  IV,     SCENE  II.  MT 

And  with  the  song  three  mournful  bells  intoned 

Their  saddened  chimes;  how  strange  my  feelings  were: 

Now  comes  the  vision's  most  absorbing  scene; 

So  sad,  so  beautiful:  for  there  appeared 

From  out  a  bank  of  sombre  western  clouds, 

A  phantom  host  that  toward  the  ruins  came; 

They  were  the  souls  of  the  uncoffined  dead; 

The  incense-bearers  led  the  spectral  front, 

Then  came  the  holy  martyrs,  four  in  all; 

Upon  their  sacred  brows  the  nimbus  shone, 

And  o'er  their  faces  was  the  light  of  joy: 

Oh!   God,  forgive  the  sin,  I  envied  them. 

Then  near  appeared  I  thought  a  penitent, 

It  was  the  figure  of  a  Yuma  chief 

That  gazed  with  horror  on  the  sacred  line; 

The  Padres  turned,  and  sadly  looked  at  him, 

On  which  he  cried  in  tones  so  terrified, 

"  Look  not  at  me  in  that  reproachful  way, 

For  I  am  not  the  author  of  your  woes." 

With  one  accord  they  blessed  him  and  passed  on, 

Then  twice  around  the  blasted  ruins  marched 

And  through  the  charred  remains  from  north  to  south, 

Then  east  to  west,  they  made  the  Holy  Cross; 

Upon  completing  which,  the  music  ceased; 

The  clouds  that  banked  the  east  shone  with  a  light 

Unlike  that  which  I  'd  ever  seen  before; 

The  grandest  chorus  then,  I  ever  heard, 

With  '  Tantum  Ergo'  made  the  Heavens  ring; 

Then  countless  angels  on  the  scene  appeared 

And  lined  an  open  way  before  the  place 

Whence  came  the  wondrous  light  that  covered  all; 


14S  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

That  center  point  my  eyes  could  not  define, 
So  like  the  sun  it  seemed:  the  martyrs  rose 
And  through  the  open  space  they  made  their  way, 
And  followed  those  who  followed  them  on  earth; 
To  those  bright  regions  where  the  faithful  go, 
The  place  where  pain  and  sorrow  is  unknown. 
The  mighty  angel  chorus  fainter  grew, 
And  as  their  voices  died  away,  the  light 
Failed  rapidly,  and  mist  o'ercame  the  scene, 
In  which  the  vision  merged  and  then  was  lost: 
And  at  the  end  bowed  I  my  head  in  prayer, 
And  gave  my  thanks  that  God  should  let  me  see 
This  grand  reception  to  the  dead  rehearsed; 
For  nature's  great  cathedral  never  held 
A  vision  quite  so  wondrous  beautiful. 

Father  Noriega.     Oh!  this  is  marvelous! 

Father  Palou.  It 's  wonderful! 

Eduardo*     What  an  experience! 

Father  Noriega.  Blest  be  their  names! 

Father  Palou.     I  can  commit  your  sin,  and  envy  too. 

Father  Noriega.     I  wish  I  could   have  been  with  you 
last  night. 

Eduardo.     Thanks  be  to  God,  that  I  have  chosen  right. 

Father  Serra.     You  have,  my  son:  how  stable  was  the 

proof. 
My  friends,  I  wish  you  all  had  been  with  me. 

Father  Palou.     O,    Mother    Church,     what    touching 

miracles, 
Thy  all  embracing  Faith  presents  to  man. 

Eduardo.     How  would  your  Reverence  interpret  it — 
The  vision  of  the  souls? 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  II. 

Father  Serra.  I  '11  tell  you  how: 

I  took  it  as  a  great  presentiment 
Of  my  approaching  end,  it  seemed  to  me 
Like  a  reward  for  what  I  had  endured. 


149 


Father  Palou.     Aside.     How  well  thy  life  deserves  a 

like  return. 

Father  Serra.     And  from  it  did  I  draw  the  promise  that 
The  blessed  land,  our  California, 
Would  rise  in  triumph  o'er  its  enemies 
As  did  the  Fathers  to  immortal  life. 

Father  Noriega.      Indeed!  Indeed!   how   plainly   is    it 
shown. 


150  FATHER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Palou.     No  deed  of  state  shall   keep  this  land 

obscure! 

When  I  explored  the  great  peninsula 
I  was  impressed  with  the  surrounding  views. 
Across  a  wide  expanse  of  sandy  dunes 
My  way  led  to  the  stretch  of  ocean  beach, 
And  going  north  I  climbed  the  rocky  cliffs; 
Across  the  strait  and  on  the  northern  shore, 
Bold  headlands  reared  their  summits  'bove  the  sea, 
Between  the  rugged  shores,  the  rising  tide 
Came  flowing  in,  and  all  along  the  coast 
The  barking  cries  of  countless  noisy  seals 
Made  with  the  gulls  an  animated  scene: 
'T  was  then  I  felt  this  hidden  western  bay 
Was  fated,  as  the  time  rolled  on,  to  hold 
Much  of  the  trade  sent  out  from  distant  lands, 
And  make  the  port  one  of  much  prominence. 

Father  Serra.     Ah!   Fathers,  I  as  well  have  been  im- 
pressed; 

For  ever  since  the  day  I  first  said  Mass 
At  Monterey,  beneath  the  mighty  oak, 
Within  whose  trunk  we  drove  the  nail  to  hang 
The  holy  crucifix,  until  to-day; 
Aye,  even  from  the  time  when  first  we  gazed 
From  off  Espiritu  Santo  and  saw 
Spread  out  the  land-locked  San  Diego  bay, — 
An  interval  of  over  fifteen  years, — 
I  never  ceased  to  feel  the  deepest  love 
For  California;  she  has  my  prayers. 
But,  Father,  it  is  not  alone  the  port; 
Before  me  now  a  golden  era  looms; 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  II.  151 

Progressive  spirits  will  invade  these  wilds, 
And  coming,  stay;  there  are  attractions  here: 
Within  these  mountain  borders  are  contained 
All  things  that  needy  man  can  ever  want, 
For  Nature  reveled  in  her  lavishment 
And  left  a  masterpiece  terrestrial: 
If  ever  distant  shores  were  to  be  known, 
And  in  the  knowing,  recognized  as  great; 
Then  o'er  the  name  of  California, 
Entwine  the  seal  and  symbols  of  success! 

Father 'Noriega.  A  prophecy  the  world  will  see  fulfilled. 

Father Palou.     It  will  be  so. 

Father  Noriega.  I  have  received  our  official  mail  from 
Mexico.  It  was  enclosed  with  the  governor's  packet 
and  in  consequence  forwarded  to  San  Francisco.  It 
just  arrived  from  there. 

Father  Palou.     It  is  the  news  you  waited  for  so  long. 

Father  Serr a.    At  last!  Are  the  orders  favorable  to  us? 

Father  Noriega.  So  much  so  that  your  faith  in  Cali- 
fornia will  be  doubly  strengthened. 

Father  Serr  a.     I  wish  few  sweeter  joys. 

Father  Palou.  Is  the  president's  license  to  confirm, 
renewed? 

Father  Noriega.     Reads  document.      It  is  to  be. 

Father  Serra.    My  successor  shall  have  the  privilege. 

Father  Noriega.  This  is  welcome; — the  governor  is 
warned  to  moderate  his  actions  toward  the  friars  or  he 
will  lose  his  position  and  honors. 

Father  Serra.     A  timely  reprimand. 

Father  Palou.  Does  this  information  come  direct 
from  the  viceroy? 


152  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Noriega.  No,  but  he  instructed  the  College  to 
inform  us  privately  of  these  orders. 

Father  Serra.     We  have  friends  in  Mexico. 

Father  Palou.  San  Fernando  looks  well  to  the  in- 
terest of  its  missionaries. 

Father  Serra.     Are  there  any  more? 

Father  Noriega.  The  governor  is  -ordered  to  return 
all  fugitive  neophytes  to  the  Missions,  and  not  use  them 
for  labor  at  the  Presidios. 

Father  Serra.  Our  complaints  regarding  them  were 
not  to  pass  unheeded. 

Father  Noriega.  He  is  also  ordered  to  give  all  the 
necessary  aid  requested,  to  bring  the  fugitives  back  from 
the  rancherias. 

Father  Serra.     This  is  excellent  news. 

Father  Palou.     But  we  had  long  to  wait  for  it. 

Father  Serra.  When  is  the  governor  expected  back 
from  San  Francisco? 

Eduardo.  He  sends  word  he  will  remain  this  month. 
The  Senora  is  ill  at  Mission  Dolores. 

Father  Palou.  He  can  have  time  to  reflect  upon  the 
wisdom  of  his  orders  before  returning  to  Monterey. 

Father  Serra.     What  of  mission  guards?    mentioned? 

Father  Noriega.  Yes,  they  are  to  be  increased  to  a 
sufficiency;  and  hereafter  when  the  friars  journey  they 
are  to  have  the  adequate  protection  requested. 

Father  Serra.  How  glorious  is  the  news!  lam  im- 
patient to  hear  it  all.  What  of  the  franking  privilege? 

Father  Noriega.  The  Junta  has  ordered  the  governor 
not  to  enforce  the  obnoxious  law. 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  II.  153 

Father  Palou.  A  wise  command.  December  last, 
your  Reverence  wrote  of  that. 

Father  Serra.  And  twice  since  then.  Nine  months 
we  've  had  to  wait. 

Father  Palou.     What  of  new  friars? 

Father  Noriega.  The  Guardian  is  arranging  to  send 
new  missionaries  immediately. 

Father  Serra.     A  long  felt  want  to  be  a  need  no  more! 

Father  Palou.     Excellent! 

Father  Serra.     There  must  be  more! 

Father  Palou.     Tell  all! 

Father  Noriega.  What  I  will  now  read  outweighs 
all  previously  declared. 

Father  Serra.     About  new  missions,  I  am  sure! 

Father  Noriega.     It  touches  that. 

Father  Palou.  When  comes  success,  misfortune  tar- 
ries not! 

Father  Serra.     A  flood  of  glad  tidings! 

Father  Noriega.  Supplies  and  men  for  the  founding 
of  the  proposed  Missions  of  Santa  Barbara  and  La  Puri- 
sima  Concepcion  are  to  be  immediately  collected,  found- 
ings made,  and  building  commenced. 

Father  Serra.  At  last,  at  last!  after  all  these  years! 
How  good  is  God  to  comfort  one  so  humble  as  am  I. 

Father  Palou.     The  best,  the  most  interesting  of   all! 

Father  Noriega.     A  greater  follows. 

Father  Serra.     More! 

Father  Palou.     Impossible! 

Father  Serra.     Is  this  a  dream? 

Father  Noriega.  A  sweet  reality.  The  intended  line 
of  Missions  to  extend  in  the  interior  from  north  to  south, 


154  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

that  our  Father-Presidente  outlined,  now  seems  a  near 
possibility.  The  Council  of  the  Indes  orders  they  be 
considered,  and  expeditions  sent  to  explore  the  territory. 

Father  Serra-     Glorious  news  to  a  failing  man!     Now 
can  I  pass  away  somewhat  recompensed. 

Father  Pa  Ion.     It  is  grand! 

Father  Serra.     Wonderful! 

Edtiardo.     And  secularization  receives  a  blow! 

Father  Noriega.     Indeed  it  does. 

Falher  Palou.     Our  prayers  are  answered. 

Father  Serra.     This  news  though  long  delayed    with 

greeting  's  hailed, 

To  date  nine  Missions  have  been  founded,  yet 
That  number  falls  far  short  of  what  we  planned; 
I  will  not  live  to  see  another  reared 
For  all  there  's  left  to  me  is  prayer  and  death; 
But  prayers  I  '11  offer  now,  and  after  that, 
To  have  our  Christian  objects  entertained. 
Push  on  with  haste  the  new  stone  church  that  is 
To  take  the  place  of  this  adobe  one; 
Complete  the  works  I  have  projected  here: 
Extend  the  confirmations  everywhere! 
O,  friars,  labor  as  Saint  Francis  did 
For  souls  that  trust  to  heresies  for  hope: 
Can  wild  environments  hold  forth  to  them 
The  hope  of  resurrection  after  death? 
No,  for  they  need  the  guidance  of  the  priests 
To  take  them  kindly  by  the  hand  and  say, 
'  My  children,  let  the  Fathers  guide  you  to 
The  universal  and  accepted  Church.' 

Father  Palou.  The  Faith  our  Fathers  held  so  sacredly. 


AC T  /r.     SCEXE  II.  155 

Father  Noriega.    God  made  the  Church,  it  's  indefecti- 
ble. 

Eduardo.     Man  made  the  State  which  is  the  prey   of 
time. 

Father  Serra.     Ah,   son,     that    brings   to    mind    our 

enemy. 

Let  not  the  State  in  mocking  sorrow  sing 
A  requiem  o'er  ruins  of  the  Church, 
Nor  when  officials  smile  think  they  are  friends 
And  turn  to  plots  an  inattentive  ear: 
They  '11  try  all  means  to  break  the  Fathers'  rule, 
Forbear  to  interfere  when  they  may  act 
Will  usher  in  the  epoch  of  our  fall. 
But  friends,  while  they  may  wreck  the  Missions  here, 
The  principles  of  creed  they  cannot  touch; 
For  though  our  blessed  Faith  is  constantly 
Assailed  by  argument,  assailed  by  foe, 
The  Cross  in  triumph  ever  will  emerge! 
Catholicism  has  reigned  for  ages  now, 
The  master  creed  of  races  and  of  climes; 
It  will  continue  past  the  time  these  walls 
Become  the  dust  of  which  they  were  composed, 
And  when  our  memories  are  lost  like  those 
Innumerable  ones,  who  've  passed  away 
Recorded  not  by  legend,  line  or  stone. 

Falls  back  exhausted  in  Eduardo' s  arms. 

Eduardo.     Our  Father  's  dying! 

Father  Serra.  No. 

Father  Noriega.  Rest,  Father,  rest. 

Father  Palou.     Be  seated  here,  dear  friend. 


156  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Noriega.  ,        Are  you 

in  pain? 

Father  Serra.     Exhausted,  only;  I  am  free  from  pain. 
Eduardo.     Aside.     So  noble  in  the  highest  sentiments. 
No  poet's  pen  in  elegy  sublime 
Your  life  can  picture,  or  your  deeds  relate, 
And  justly  give  you  due. 

Father  Serra.  I  'm  better  now. 

Father  Noriega.     These  charges  shall  be  strictly  fol- 
lowed out. 
Father  Palou.       We  '11  watch    the    old    regime    with 

greatest  care. 

Father  Serra.     What  is   that  crying  sound?  the  neo- 
phytes? 

Are  they  so  quickly  sorrowed  on  reports? 
Go,  Father,  and  Eduardo,  comfort  them. 

Father  Noriega.     Aside.     They  have  a  cause  to  weep; 
they  're  losing  you. 

Exeunt  Father  Noriega  and  Eduardo. 

Father  Serra.     Francisco,  when  I  'm  summoned  and 

shall  stand 

In  presence  of  the  Holy  Trinity, 
I  '11  pray  for  you,  for  California, 
And  with  my  lowly  prayers  I  '11  supplicate 
Saint  Joseph,  aye,  and  our  Saint  Francis  too,  I 

That  they  may  help  our  Order  in  its  trials. 

Father  Palou.     May  great  success  attend  you,  dearest 

friend. 
Ah,  no,  you  could  not  other  than  succeed. 

Father  Serra.     I  do  not  feel  as  confident  as  you; 


ACT  II'.    SCENE  IJ '.  157 

My  sins  may  yet  debar  acknowledgement 
That  I  deserve  to  thus  be  recognized. 
The  carpenter  has  made  my  coffin?  no? 

Father  Palou.     '  T  was  finished,  Father,  late  last  even- 
ing. 

Father Serra.     It  's  well.   Francisco,  you  have  labored 

long; 
You  should  retire. 

Father  Palou.          I  think  I  shall  depart 
The  coming  year;  for  long  I  've  wished  to  write 
A  record  of  your  ceaseless  toiling  life. 

Father  Serra.     To  write  my  life  account  would  honor 

me 

Much  mote  than  I  deserve.      My  place  is  low, 
My  name  's  unknown  except  to  very  few. 

Father  Palou.     O  pardon  me,  our  country  knows  you 

well. 

I  beg  you  let  me  take  that  comfort  kind, 
As  rest  to  my  old  age,  and  write  your  life. 

Father  Serra.      Then  in  my  history  do  not  omit 
My  many  faults,  nor  should  you  as  my  friend, 
Invest  my  sins  with  cloak  of  lenience. 

Father  Palou.       I  '11   aim  to    be  a  just   biographer. 
Aside.     How  can  I  write  the  faults  of  faultless  men? 
There  '11  be  pathetic  music  in  those  lines 
That  tell  the  virtue  of  his  services. 
Here  's  one  of  whom  posterity  will  say, 
'He  was  the  greatest  man  that  ever  trod 
The  sands  of  Alta  California.' 

Father  Serra.     Now,  Father,   will  you   grant  my  last 
request? 


15S  FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 

Father  Palou.     Beloved  President,  what  e'er  you  ask. 

Father  Serra.     Then    bury   me   beside   the   one   we 

loved, 

Dear  Father  Crespi,  in  the  Mission  Church, 
Amid  the  scenes  so  many  years  our  home: 
Although  it  seems  a  wrong  requesting  that 
I  rest  so  -near  to  one  who  never  sinned, 
Yet  the  vicinity  is  sanctified, 
And  resting  there  may  purify  a  soul 
That  had  in  life  a  need  of  constant  prayer. 

Father  Palou.     That  disposition  's  one  we  settled  on, 
Your  Reverence. 

Father  Serra.       I  thank  you  for  intents. 
Was  that  a  moan? 

Father  Palou.         The  neophytes  again 
Voice  out  their  sorrows  over  your  decline. 

Father  Serra.      Go  speak   to  them,  the  faithful   In- 
dians: 
But  let  me  have  a  glass  of  water  first. 

Father  Palou.     Eduardo,  there? 

Enter  Eduardo. 

Eduardo.  What  is  the  Father's 

will? 
Father  Palou.     A  glass  of  water  for  his  Reverence. 

Exit  Eduardo. 

Father  Serra.     Was  that  Eduardo? 
Father  Palou.  Yes. 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  II.  1.7» 

Father  Serra.  Have  him 

come  in. 

Enter  Eduardo  with  water. 

Father  Serra.     Bless  you  for  that.       You  should   not 
seem  so  sad. 

Eduardo.     I  know — I  cannot  help — O  Infinite! 
Do  spare  the  good  kind  friend  of  these  past  years. 

Father  Serra.    There,  there,  Eduardo;  do  not  weep  for 

me; 

A  man  is  he  that  can  a  grief  forget: 
I  'm  happy  now,  for  soon  I  shall  be  there; 
Then  I  will  meet  the  Padres  of  the  past, 
And  see  the  greatest  of  departed  ones. 
Now  go  with  my  dear  friend  and  tell  them  why, 
The  neophytes,  they  should  not  mourn  for  me; 
And  I  will  rest  alone  a  little  while. 

Father  Palou.     But,  Father,  shall  we  leave — 

Father  Serra.  He  's 

ever  near. 

Exeunt  Father  Palou  and  Eduardo. 

Father  Serra  goes  to  the  door ;  looks  out  on  the  face  of  Nature, 
seems  trouble  da  moment,  then  his  countenance  becomes  calm. 
He  returns  and  reclines  on  a  couch. 

Enter  Father  Palou. 


160 


FA  THER  JUNIPERO  SERRA. 


Goes  slowly  to  where  Father  Serra  is  lying,  bends  over  him, 
starts,  breathes  a  silent  prayer  to  heaven. 

Father  Palou.     Eduardo. 

Enter  Eduardo. 

The  bells. 
Exit  Eduardo.      The  bells  toll. 

FINIS. 


EPILOGUE. 

While  Padre  Serra's  part  long  since  was  played, 
His  sepulcher  is  yet  uncarved  and  rough; 
Therein  by  friends  in  simple  sorrow  laid, 
Though  honored  some  he  's  honored  not  enough. 
In  ruined  state  his  Missions  stand  to-day, 
A  sad  reproach  to  Time's  progressive  hand; 
A  mournful  commentary  on  the  way, 
The  great  are  left  forgotten  by  their  land: 
And  in  my  thoughts  of  him  this  came  to  me 
When  thinking  of  the  grave  wherein  he  lies; 
As  none  earned  sculptured  marble  more  than  he. 
Here  is  a  noble  soul  to  canonize. 

One  now  can  say,  though  he  to  fame  was  born, 
Here  lies  a  man,  great  honors  left  forlorn. 


s 


